25 Unwritten Social Rules Poor Kids Had To Learn While Growing Up
"Don't ask for anything because you won't get it."
We often hear that we are all given equal opportunities in life, and if you don't make it to the top, it's your fault. The reality is that we are not born into the same circumstances.
The opportunities available to us are not the same and lead to very different paths. Some of us won the lottery of life and were fortunate enough to be born into wealthy families.
The lucky ones never have to worry about asking for the food they want, buying clothes that are current, or attending the schools of their choice. There is a lot of privilege and comfort that money can buy.
On the flip side, for those of us who got the short end of the stick, food insecurity, hand-me-down clothes, and an uncertain academic future are normal. Kids are forced to face their difficult realities early on in life.
If you come from an economically disadvantaged background, you were most likely given responsibilities that are well beyond your young age. A childhood like that revolved around school and home life.
Your parents may not be vocal about your family's financial struggles, but you definitely picked up on the unspoken burden they carry. There were certain rules that kids from poor families had to learn while growing up.
Rich kids will never understand these fundamental rules, but the answers to this question can shed a bit of light
jicta1. Other people can't know about your situation at home
theguy47852. Do not answer the door or the phone, and keep the curtains closed because debt collectors can come knocking anytime
kbell2020
3. Skipping meals is not unusual or a diet regimen; it was necessary because there simply isn't enough food
Tripleshot96
4. The routine is school, then home. There's no such thing as piano lessons, martial arts, or dance class.
march_rogue
5. You have to look presentable at all times. Your clothes may not be on trend, but they are definitely clean.
Abbreviations-Odd
6. Keep the air conditioning off unless there's company because it will run the electric bill up
AwesomePossumID
7. The same goes for the heater; the answer to keeping warm inside the house during winter is layers
space-efficient
8. Legal fees will bankrupt the family, so don't do anything illegal
throwaway9111q
9. Unless you're bleeding to death, we do not go to the doctor
weaselpoopcoffee
10. Dental work is even more expensive than regular medical check-ups
gajillionaire
11. There is no such thing as wasted food. All leftovers can be repurposed into another delicious dish.
Barneyjoe
12. You can't go on school trips, and you shouldn't even ask because you don't want to make your parents feel bad
CoolMomInAMinivan
13. Food delivery is not an option
wildsea_
14. You can't have friends over for sleepovers
WorthyLocks
15. Your valuable possessions could potentially be pawned when money is tight
kitchenwitchin
16. Your parents can't afford childcare, so that responsibility falls on you
PoutinePirate
17. Dreams are impractical; they are just for suckers and rich people
hardly_trying
18. Don't ask for anything, ever, unless it is offered to you
mellowbordello
19. If you want a shot at a better life, you have to do well in school
shyam14111986
20. Buying expensive clothes or anything at full price is unacceptable
ThoughtIWasDale
21. Don't let anyone look down on you with pity
steampunkedunicorn
22. Reusing things, including plastic bags, will save you a lot of money in the long run
rudebish
23. Your house may be small and your things may be inexpensive, but they are all in pristine condition because that will make them last longer
Agreeable-Scratch424
24. Your parents had the ability to make the cheapest and most flavorless food the best meal of your life
Rebelsoul3480
25. Be mindful of your portions so everyone can eat, and dad (or mom) can have some to bring when they work
Mitchietheaverage
Growing up poor shouldn't be romanticized. It's difficult, and it literally affects the brain development of children.
Nothing about poverty is easy, and yes, you can work your way out of it, but it's not as simple as they would like us to believe. You will definitely learn many ways to get your money's worth, but growing up poor also comes with its own set of psychological baggage that will take years to resolve.
