my family has always been poor and to watch other children go around in their houses and play with all their fancy toys has been hard, but just recently i've seen how upset my parents are about being poor. What can i do to help im only 14?
2006-10-21 03:16:17 · 32 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
use it to build character! notice that there are others that have less! help those people! get a paper rout and give your family most of the money to buy groceries or pay the electric bill! volenteer to cook dinner a few nights a week so your mom can relax a little.
you may not get any richer, but you have a lot of power to add richness to your family, and that is better than any amount of money!
2006-10-21 03:23:40 · answer #1 · answered by onlylove41 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Jenesis,
Nobody "deserves" to be poor or without the things that we really "need". Unfortunately like you, I and many others we just happen to be born into a family that does not have an abundance of wealth. You and your parents both see the same thing, others with "things". Your parents may feel that they have let you down somehow because they can't give you these "things". I personally think that parents look at being "poor" differently than their children do. A good parent wants to provide for and meet all of the "needs and wants" of their children. If a parent can't do this then they "feel" poor and inadiquite. The average American child just "wants" their wants to be met and rarely think about their real needs. Being financially poor is very difficult to deal with at times. I too had very little as I was growing up, but as I look back on it in my adult life now I realize that I had learned to be happy with what we had. My parents just wanted their children to be happy, and so do yours. When mine saw that we were happy, then they were happy. I know that my parents did the best that they could, and I'm sure that yours are too. "What can i do to help im only 14?" What a statement. It shows maturity, concern, sympathy and love to others besides just yourself. This is a characteristic that many American Teens at 14 lack today. I applaud you for this. This can be a great blessing to your parents. If you are happy then let your parents know it. Let them know that you really understand that $$$ is not the answer to all things. It may pay the bills and buy overpriced "things", but happiness starts in your heart and in your peace of mind not in your wallet.
As a final note: it is not the company that sells these "things" that wants you to be happy. They sell these "things" because they want $$$. It is your parents that want you to be happy.
2006-10-21 05:20:38 · answer #2 · answered by dadbarnit 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know is hard to see that your parents are suffering and not to be able to do anything about it. But you are just a teenager and it is not fair to you that you have to worry about these things, you should be enjoying your age. However I know from personal experience that that is not easy to do. See, I can relate to your situation I have been going through the same thing all my life. With the difference that I am 21. At your age I use to work after school, even though your not going to make a fortune you can make enough to cover for small things like your transportation fare, movie tickets, and things like that so you don't have to ask your parents and who knows you might even be able to chip in for a utility bill or something. And plus it is great to have the experience and you can meet knew people and even have fun. But the most important thing is that you shoe them that you are there for them that you love them no matter what and that as long as you have each other the rest is secondary. Take care and don't put too much pressure on your self if you suffer they suffer more.
2006-10-21 03:26:12 · answer #3 · answered by andia2amat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people are rich in possessions but are they really rich? Often people with many possessions take it all for granted and quite often they have possessions to make up for the time and love that their parents fail to give them.
The richest people are not the ones with the outward appearance of wealth. It is the ones who have unconditional love, support, happiness and health, not those who have the most material things who are the richest people.
Bringing you up well to acknowledge these values and then to continue them one day with your oen children is the most valuable gift your parents could ever give you, one that no money could buy.
Stop looking at everything everyone else has and appreciate what you do have - although it may look like it from where you're standing, the grass is rarely greener on the other side of the fence. I am certain that your friends look at your life and the love and care that your parents have for you and want to be like you.
2006-10-21 03:27:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately you have had to learn early that it is not a "fair" world that we live in. I was poor growing up, but didn't realize it because everyone in the neighborhood was in the same situation. The only way you can help your parents at your young age is to be happy and appreciative for what you have and don't dwell on what you can't have. Your job right now is to do the best you can in school and make a brighter future for yourself.
2006-10-21 03:25:42 · answer #5 · answered by butrcupps 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How poor is poor? If you are talking low income family living on benefits...then I would not consider that to be poor, most of us have been there and still are there. You are not to young to earn a bit of cash here and there (paper rounds and the usual) but above all, stay in school and complete ur education to the highest that you possibly can attain. In the end you will be the one looking after your mum with the big bucks you will be earning in the future and make her proud!
2006-10-21 03:20:40 · answer #6 · answered by Carmit 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There isn't a lot you can do financially at age 14 to help.It seems to me you are rich in other things..Compassion and thought for your parents is admirable .Have you ever thought that the kids with all the fancy toys may be lacking a lot of the good things that you have in your heart.My family was far from rich and I watched other kids with fancy toys and never let it make me ashamed of myself or my parents. As I grew older I was able to change things slowly and things improved for us all .Now my parents are dead, I never let a day pass without thanking them for all they gave me in love and understanding when I was growing. Money and security is a help in life but there are other precious things and you seem to be blessed with !! Do not despair , I wish you well and remember...You may not see it yet and you may feel bitter at times...but hold onto the love you have for your family.It will be repayed.....
2006-10-21 03:34:30 · answer #7 · answered by Ed B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You seem quite intuitive. I didn't come from a rich family but I know that people have the most fun with other people. Adopting a simple hobby like reading, playing ball, singing or keeping a scrap book can really tap into your creative side and make you less mindful of others. You'll have something money can't buy...
But if you really want to please your parents, try not to be too demanding. the reason why they work so hard is because they want to make you happy
2006-10-21 03:24:52 · answer #8 · answered by Arnold F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can grow up to be a well balanced and happy young lady. That would make your parents much more proud than having the latest 'fad'
I'm a 24yr old single mother,
I know how you feel because i wish all the time that i could treat my child more often with material things- It's not the be all and end all though having nothing...It makes you appreciate the things you do have.
If you meant what job can you do to help their income, then that is VERY admirable and thoughtful.
Mail me and tell me wher you live- I'll think of something for you!
2006-10-21 03:24:08 · answer #9 · answered by Coley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could get some sort of job such as babysitting which would enable you to purchase some things for yourself instead of relying on your folks. Learn how to sew so you will be able to create the latest fashion for yourself and your parents spending very little money. You can really pay attention in school to get the best grades possible which in turn will get you better employment when you graduate - which in turn will let you help your folks financially. You sound pretty mature for a 14 year old and I think it's wonderful that you want to help your parents. God bless you.
2006-10-21 03:22:31 · answer #10 · answered by Decoy Duck 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋