Poverty is the biggest threat to a child well-being and can have lifelong consequences. A child living in poverty will experience a lot of toxic stress from his environment and from the people around him. He/she might not be able to eat healthy and wholesome foods; receive the attention and stimulation they need. Research has shown that they have:

• Educational problems – Children living in poverty have more trouble learning and they are less likely to further their education.
• Behavioural problems – Poverty affects a child’s social and emotional development. Children growing up in poverty are more likely to exhibit behavioural problems.
• Physical health problems – Child poverty is linked to higher rates of asthma, obesity, language development problems, and an increased risk of injury.
• Mental health problems – The toxic stress associated with poverty increases the risk for several psychiatric disorders.
• Reduced overall well-being – Studies show poverty is the biggest threat to children’s well-being and it can have lifelong consequences.

Do you know a family living in poverty? How have you helped struggling families?