How to Talk to Kids About Poverty and Homelessness

Inside this guidebook, you'll find practical guidance for parents and caregivers to address children's natural curiosity about poverty and homelessness in a compassionate, informative, and age-appropriate way.

With clear explanations, real-life examples, and engaging activities, this resource helps adults create a safe and inclusive environment where children (ages 6-12) can learn about these complex issues with empathy and understanding.

These are the steps that we found to be most effective for getting your message across:

1. Subtly learn your child's true opinion of poverty.
2. Explain the basics about poverty.
3. Discuss poverty stereotypes.
4. Respond to common questions from kids about poverty and homelessness.
5. Cultivate a home environment that fosters empathy for poor people.

Please note: Instead of general advice like 'be a good role model' or 'talk about feelings,' our guidebooks provide specific age-appropriate examples and instructions for integrating diversity and inclusion values into daily life at home.