Parents tend to want to protect their children from the more frightening aspects of life, including homelessness and poverty. That said, children are keen observers and they perceive that the world isn’t perfect in spite of their efforts to shield them. More importantly, children have an innate desire to help others and are interested in social issues. Parents can foster this natural tendency by having open, honest, intentional conversations about the issues of poverty and homelessness.

Parents often wonder how to start the conversation or what to say. Start by spending some time thinking about your own views on the subject. Do your perceptions match up with your values? Do you have some unconscious biases to overcome? People often become impoverished through no fault of their own, but through circumstances, such as job loss, death, divorce, or health issues. What do you want your children to know about poverty and homelessness? In what ways would you and your family like to help? Once you’re clear on your own feelings, it’s time to talk with your children. These conversations don’t have to be long or heavy-handed. Start simply and continue to talk as your children get older.

1. Become informed

Learn more about homelessness and poverty yourself, and work to dispel myths and stereotypes. People become homeless for all sorts of reasons that are not their fault, including health problems, the death of a child or spouse, a job loss, and domestic violence. Homeless people come from all demographics and all walks of life. Many are families with children. In the United States, around 500,000 people experience homelessness on any given night. About 1 in 30 kids in the U.S. are homeless at some point during the year.

2. Consider your child’s developmental level and interest

Young children are naturally somewhat egocentric, but as they develop, they are able to consider the needs and perspective of others and understand more abstract concepts. This is an ideal time to broach the subject of homelessness and poverty, although some younger children will also be interested in discussing these topics.

3. Talk about homelessness as it comes up

When you encounter a homeless person, answer your child’s questions or bring up the topic yourself. Your child may ask questions spontaneously or in response to a book or something they see on the television. Be sure to offer simple answers that are appropriate for your child’s age and maturity. Think about the message you want to send to your child about homelessness and make sure your tone, body language and facial expression represent your true intention. 

4. Encourage compassion, empathy, and respect

All humans deserve our kind regard, simply because they are human. Avoid making judgmental comments or put-downs. Treat homeless people with dignity and respect. Look people in the eye and smile. Your children will learn more from these simple actions than what you say.

5. Help your child understand your viewpoint

Think about how you want to help homeless people ahead of time and be ready to explain your approach to your child. Perhaps you feel comfortable giving homeless people food, rather than money. Pack a few extra sandwiches when you go out or order an extra meal at a restaurant. Explain to your child that people don’t always use money wisely (if that’s your view), but by giving food, you know you’re helping. Perhaps you volunteer at a shelter or donate clothing and food to a homeless charity. Explain these efforts to your child and involve them if you can.

6. Use children’s literature as a springboard for learning

Children sometimes feel less threatened by reading about a difficult topic than they would discussing it. Well-written children’s books can help children understand and process the challenging issues of poverty and homelessness.

*Adapted from Raising Socially Responsible Children by Bright Horizons Foundation for Children

How to Explain Homelessness to Children—An Expert Weighs In

How to Talk to Kids About Homelessness (without scaring them)

Talk About It: For Children Experiencing Homelessness

Talk About It: For Children Not Experiencing Homelessness

• A Place to Stay: A Shelter Story By: Erin Gunti 

• Fly Away Home By: Eve Bunting

• On Our Street: A First Talk about Poverty By: Jilliam Roberts

• Those Shoes By: Maribeth Boelts

• What is Given From the Heart By: Patricia C. McKissack

• Something Beautiful By: Sharon Dennis Wyeth

• Coat of Many Colors By: Dolly Parton

• Home in the Woods By: Eliza Wheeler

• Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse By: Marcy Campbell

• Each Kindness By: Jacqueline Woodson

• Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women By: Christine McDonnell

• Shoebox Sam By: Mary Brigid Barrett 

• Sam and the Lucky Money By: Karen Chinn

• A Chair for My Mother By: Vera B. Williams

• Esperanza Rising By: Pam Monoz Ryan 

• The Double Life of Zoe Flynn By: Janet Lee Carey

•  The Lady in the Box By: Ann McGovern