The other night I gave Gwyneth her dinner and she took one look at it, said it was “yucky,” and pushed her plate away.
My instant thought was, Do you know how many starving kids there are who would very happily and GRATEFULLY eat this meal?!
And you know what? After I thought it, I said it.
She stared at me a little blankly and the questions began.
“What is starving?” “What kids?” “Where do they live?” “Why are they starving?” “Why can’t they go to the grocery store?” “Why can’t their moms and dads give them food?” “Why don’t they just go and buy food?” “Where are their houses?”
This is when I sat down next to her, pulled out my computer and we had a little cultural lesson on other children around the world. I hesitated to show her some pictures of those poor children who don’t have anything to eat, but ultimately did.
We talked about why the children look the way they do and how food nourishes our bodies, makes us stronger and without it we can’t survive. I answered all of her questions and found myself in tears as we spoke.
There were many long pauses as Gwyn processed this information. She tried very hard in finding a solution for these poor kids which I thought was incredibly sweet.
She offered to send them the food in our pantry, asked if we could go to the store and buy all the starving kids food, and asked if we could send them money to buy food.
I explained to Gwyneth that I thought it was wonderful that she wanted to help these kids and that we would look into sending food to some of them, but that we couldn’t help ALL of the starving children. There are just too many.
With a sad look on her face, she seemed somewhat satisfied with our talk and began eating her meal. And she ate just about every bite.
It’s been about a week since this took place and Gwyn has asked to see the pictures of the kids several times since then, also asking to hear about them again as well.
I was able to take a little video of her during one of our talks, capturing her sweet innocence.
After a little research, I feel good about donating to an organization called United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, or, UNICEF. This organization helps children in over 190 countries worldwide by providing food, clean water, immunizations, education and much more. Their goal is to make make a world where every child can grow up educated, healthy and protected from danger.
This sounds incredible, but of course can’t be done without the support from those who can donate. So, Gwyn and I are going to keep talking about the needs of these children and do what we can to help.
I hope she remembers this little lesson and becomes a little more grateful for what she has.
How do you teach your children gratitude? Let’s share ideas!
And as always, thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Love this!!! Back in early summer, I watched Girl Rising and after I let that night I adopted a little girl from the Democratic Republic of Congo, through World Vision. To keep a special tie to our family and for Sophie to relate to this little girl, I chose one with her birthday (a few years older, but still on 4/3). It’s a very important for us to teach our children how fortunate they are, and show them there are many kids out there with much less. I remember my mom and dad took us to the poor side of town when we were kids, because we were being ungrateful. I remember being shocked that not everyone had a nice house. I also remember being 4 or 5 and she was showing us pictures of kids from their recent Mexico trip. They were playing in yellow dirty water and my mom gave me a toy that one of the girls my age had sold her. I was so shocked. But those lessons and conversations stuck with me! Good work Shannon, you are a fantastic mommy!
Meagan, that is awesome!! I love that you tied the experience close to the family with a child with Sophie’s birthday! I am so glad to hear things that your parents did when you were younger stuck with you! I am hoping the same happens for Gwyn!
I love your method. Next time, tomorrow night, when my kids are complaining about having to eat the deadly beans I put in their meals on a regular basis, I think I will try this approach.
Do it, Savanna and please let me know what happens!!!
Love this post!
Thank you, Julie. 🙂
She is so adorable! How old is she? My 4 yr old does not believe me when I tell him about homeless children and families and starving children. I tried to find some video on youtube during Christmas time and I just couldn’t find any that I thought he would understand. I think I’ll show him your little girl and the pictures you posted.
I love “God has birdies and vegetables in his pocket!”
I definitely want my boy to be grateful and empathetic to others.
Great post!
She will be four in May. And I don’t think my daughter would have fully understood had I not shown her the pictures. I just googled, “starving children” and a bunch came up. She was absolutely fascinated. Confused, too. Couldn’t wrap her mind around the fact that not every child could just ask his or her parents for food. And thank you for your kind words! Great hearing from you!
Ok, I will also try to get a little clip of what he says so I can share with you! He often doesn’t perform when he knows the camera is on though!
It is a very hard concept to understand. I know when I was growing up, they always had the commercial on where the children were starving and a man was asking for money for them. That kind of hit home, but I don’t see that commercial anymore. I do see that horrible one for animals that Sarah Mcloughlan (spelling?)sings on! Holy Tears Batman!
Oh, that song is KILLER!!!!! I know exactly what you are talking about. And I know what you mean with the camera, sometimes I have to sneak it!