When parents can’t afford basic things, life gets tough, especially for kids. Growing up with limited resources leaves lasting memories, even into adulthood. Here are some personal stories from people who grew up with less.
Story 1:
When I was a kid, my family was really poor. At home, we always asked before eating the last of anything. Portions were small, and food was limited. When I was 11, I visited a friend’s house for lunch. I was amazed by how nice their home and furniture were compared to mine.
At lunchtime, her mom laid out a spread with different breads, meats, and fruits. At home, we usually had simple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and if we had meat, it was thinly sliced, with only two slices allowed per sandwich.
So, at my friend’s house, I made a sandwich with just one slice of ham, since it was much thicker than what I was used to. Her mom was shocked and told me to put more on the sandwich. I explained that’s how we did it at home. They were surprised and even sent me home with extra food. My parents were embarrassed when I told them what happened, and they never let me go back to that friend’s house. © OriansSun | Reddit
Story 2:
When I was about nine, my mom bought me some second-hand clothes and told me she’d make some shorts for me with a fabric coupon she had. The shorts weren’t very nice, and I complained, saying, “Jessie gets $50 to buy clothes for school, why can’t I?” My mom burst into tears and said, “Because I don’t have $50 to give you.”
I felt so guilty and never complained about the clothes she made for me again. Despite her struggles, my mom was an amazing mother. © chantilly_lace1990 / Reddit
Story 3:
My dad used to get really excited about cheap, plain foods like puffed rice cereal, bologna sandwiches, and plain oats. He’d hype them up so much that we’d actually want to eat them instead of more expensive foods. Now that I’m a dad myself, I realize he probably didn’t love those foods as much as he made it seem. My parents just didn’t have the money to buy more expensive food for three growing boys, but they made the best of what they had. © Rebelsoul3480 | Reddit
Story 4:
When I turned 15, my dad kicked me out and told me not to come back until I had a job. Luckily, Little Caesars was hiring that day. Looking back, I realize now that he needed the money, but I didn’t understand at the time.
Throughout high school, I gave my dad my paychecks, thinking they were for my college savings. But I later realized the money was actually being used to pay rent. It wasn’t until I was 40 that I figured it out. © Jawshoeaw/Reddit
Story 5:
I grew up in a trailer. In fourth grade, a girl at school was gathering addresses for her birthday party invitations. The next day, she told me her parents didn’t want to invite me because I lived in a trailer. That’s when I learned that living in a trailer was something I was supposed to feel embarrassed about. © ohnoooooooooooooooo/Reddit
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