05.26.2009 12:26 pm
Talking to kids about panhandlers
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Last summer my son (3) spotted a pandhandler outside of Busch Stadium. He began to question me as only 3-year-olds can. “Why does he need money?” “What is he doing?” “Why can’t he go watch the game” “Can we give him our tickets?” I wasn’t sure what to say then, and I’m not sure now.
How do you deal with the questions that arise when your kids see panhandlers?
I explain to my daughter that they have made a choice to stop supporting themselves and now prefer to live off the charity of others (e.g., Liberals).
Side note: Hopefully, one day they will find it in themselves to go back to being self supportive. One day, hopefully the Liberals will go back to the Green party and stop ruining the Democrat party.
Why would you open the floor for readers to use your forum as a platform for their racists and classist views?
When was anything about race ever mentioned?
Amy - I think the Post should do a story on this topic and interview the homeless people to find out their back stories (the Post probably has some time ago). I’m sure it would be an eye opener for all of us as some of these people may have really touching stories. I live in Soulard and they are all around, but never bother me. I’d rather have them around then the thugs that break into my car and rob me at gunpoint.
I don’t see any reason to not be honest with the child. It is not like they arent going to learn the truth eventually anyways. “Why does he need money?” Because he doesnt work. “What is he doing?” Asking for free money. “Why can’t he go watch the game?” because tickets cost money, and he a’int got none. “Can we give him our tickets?” HA!
I tell my children that these people are worth 50 points, 60 if they’re female.
“I explain to my daughter that they have made a choice to stop supporting themselves and now prefer to live off the charity of others (e.g., Liberals).”
I assume the word “Liberals” is meant pejoratively here?
Jaune, I’m sure we’ll be reading about you kids in the post dispatch in the coming years. Its a shame you won’t be able to. I’m sure you’ll be in prison by the time your kids reach adulthood. People ask why our city is coming to ruin, where did all these thugs come from. They come from bad parents like you. Enjoy your cell, hope your cell mate is just as enlightened as you.
Dan, is your sarcasm meter broken or are you just stupid?
Chris….“Can we give him our tickets?” HA!
Thats funny. I agree with you, why not be honest. Some are there out of choice and some are not, but we will never be able to change them. Give them money if it makes YOU feel better, but the odds are you are not helping them. So focus on what you can control. Get as educated as your means allow and try to prepare and be ready for life’s curve balls.