How to Talk to Children About Homelessness

As parents, many of us have experienced that moment when our child notices someone holding a sign on a street corner or sleeping on a bench and asks a big question: “Why doesn’t that person have a home?” Homelessness is becoming more visible in many communities, and kids are naturally observant and curious about what they see.

These moments are powerful opportunities. With a few simple conversations, we can help children develop empathy, understanding, and a sense of shared responsibility, instead of fear, judgment, or shame.

Why It’s Important to Talk About Homelessness Early

Talking openly about homelessness helps children make sense of the world around them. Kids will notice people who are experiencing homelessness and may feel concerned or even afraid if no one explains what’s happening. By addressing their questions with honesty and kindness, you can:

Foster empathy and compassion: Children who learn about others’ struggles become more empathetic. Opening their eyes to people’s differences helps develop caring “we are all human” attitudes, laying a foundation for treating everyone with dignity.

Break down stereotypes and fears: If we don’t talk about homelessness, kids may form their own misconceptions or biases. Conversation is key to prevent stigma. By avoiding the topic or shushing questions can send the cue that something is “wrong” with talking about it. Honest dialogue helps kids understand homelessness is a problem, not a “bad” person.

Teach that everyone deserves respect: Emphasize that every person, whether they have a home or not, deserves kindness and help. Kids take their cues from our attitudes; by responding with compassion, we model the empathy our society depends on.

Make it a normal topic: When we treat homelessness as an important issue we can discuss, children learn it’s okay to care and ask questions. If we stay silent, they might think it’s not okay to bring up or that we don’t care.

Housing insecurity has grown more visible in many cities and towns, so your child may have already seen people living in tents, cars, or shelters. Talking about it early helps them understand why this happens and builds compassion instead of fear.

Age-Appropriate Tips for Talking to Kids About Homelessness

Children’s ability to understand homelessness will depend on their age and development. Here’s how to approach the conversation at different stages, with language and concepts tailored to their level:

Preschool (Ages 3–5)

For toddlers and preschoolers, use very simple, reassuring language. Avoid scary details or complex explanations. At this age, children just need to know what homelessness means in basic terms and to feel that people care for those in need. For example, you might say: “Some people don’t have a house to live in right now. They might be cold or hungry, and we can help them.” This kind of statement is truthful but not overwhelming.

Answer their questions plainly: If a child asks “Why is that person sleeping on the sidewalk?” you can respond, “They don’t have a home to sleep in, so they’re sleeping here right now.” Keep your tone calm and comforting.

Emphasize safety and compassion: Young kids might worry, “Who is taking care of them?” or even “Could we lose our home?” Reassure your child that they are safe and taken care of, and explain that there are helpers (like shelters and kind people) working to care for those without homes. Let them know “We have a home and we’re okay, and there are people whose job is to help those who don’t have a home.”

Model empathy through feelings: Express your own concern in a gentle way, e.g., “I feel sad that the person has no house. I hope we can help them.” This shows your child that it’s okay to feel compassion. Children at this age take their emotional cues from parents, if you respond with kindness rather than fear or disgust, they will too.

Involve them in a simple helping activity: Little ones are very concrete thinkers, so find a simple, tangible way to help. For instance, have them pick out a few canned foods or a gently-loved toy to donate to a shelter. Explain that this will go to a child or family who doesn’t have a home right now. Even drawing a picture or making a “card” for people in need can help a young child feel like they are helping.

Early Elementary (Ages 6–8):

Early elementary children can handle a bit more context. At this age, kids are learning empathy and starting to understand that not everyone’s life is like theirs. Keep the conversation honest but age-appropriate. You can begin to explain why someone might not have a home, in simple terms they grasp.

Explain basic reasons: For example, “Sometimes people lose their home because they lost their job or got sick and couldn’t pay for the house or apartment.” Emphasize that being homeless doesn’t mean someone is bad or did something wrong, it means they’re going through a hard time. There are lots of different reasons, and it can happen to families with kids, too.

Encourage questions and feelings: Children 6-8 will have lots of “why” questions. If they ask, “Why doesn’t someone in their family help them?” you might say, “Maybe they don’t have family who can help, or their family is also having a hard time. That’s why other people, like us, need to help.” If they seem upset or worried, acknowledge those feelings: “It is sad, isn’t it? I feel sad about it too. That’s why there are people and organizations working to help.” By validating their emotions and questions, you teach them empathy.

Reassure without overpromising: Kids this age might also ask, “Where do they go when it rains or at night?” You can explain that there are shelters or places people can go to stay warm and safe, “but they can’t always stay there all the time”. Let your child know that many caring people (at shelters, charities, churches, etc.) are trying to help those without homes.

No “scare tactics”: Importantly, avoid using homelessness as a threat or warning to kids (e.g., “If you don’t do X, you’ll end up homeless.”). This approach creates fear and shame rather than understanding. Experts warn that using homelessness as a “boogeyman” scenario is not true and not helpful. We want to inspire compassion, not anxiety.

Teach respect: If you ever hear your child or their friends make fun of someone who is homeless, gently but firmly correct them. Explain that it’s not okay to disrespect someone because they are poor or have no home. Instead, encourage “We feel concern and want to help, not make jokes.” Early school-age kids are forming values, so it’s crucial to reinforce kindness and discourage ridicule.

Late Elementary (Ages 9–11):

By late elementary (upper grades) around 9-11, many children have a more developed sense of fairness and may notice bigger social issues. They might have more pointed questions or even misconceptions picked up from peers or media. At this stage, invite a deeper dialogue rather than a one-way explanation.

Ask what they think: Start by asking, “What do you think it means to be homeless?” or “Why do you think someone might end up without a home?” This lets you gauge what they already understand or any stereotypes they might have. Gently correct misinformation if you hear things like “maybe they’re just lazy”, reiterate that there is no single cause and it often involves difficult challenges like losing a job, mental or physical health issues, family troubles, or a combination of factors.

Discuss complexities at their level: You can introduce the idea that homelessness can be caused by larger problems: for instance, “In some cases, the cost of housing is very high, or there aren’t enough jobs that pay well, so people can’t afford rent.” You might also mention that some people experiencing homelessness struggle with illnesses (like mental health issues or addiction), but be careful not to confuse homelessness with those issues. If your child asks about someone acting “strange” or having poor hygiene, you can explain in simple terms: “Sometimes a person’s brain is not working properly, like how some people have illnesses you can’t see. But not everyone who is homeless has that problem.” Make sure they know mental illness isn’t something most people have and it’s not a character flaw.

Emphasize empathy and humanize the issue: At this age, encourage your child to imagine what life might feel like for someone without a home. Ask questions like, “How do you think you would feel if you didn’t know where you’d sleep tonight?” or “What do you think would be hardest about not having a home?” These prompts help them put themselves in another’s shoes. Remind them that a person who is homeless is still a person with hopes and feelings who deserves kindness just like anyone else.

Encourage problem-solving and action: Pre-teens often have a strong sense of justice and may ask, “How can this be fixed?” or “Is anyone doing anything about it?” This is a great time to brainstorm ways they can help (more on this in the action section below). Engage them by asking, “What do you think we could do to help people who don’t have homes?” Discuss community solutions too, like shelters, food banks, and charities, to show that while the problem is big, many people are working on it, and your family can be part of that help.

Pre-Teens (Ages 12 and Up):

By the time your child is a pre-teen (around 11–12 and entering middle school), they are capable of more abstract thinking and may have encountered discussions about homelessness in school or online. At this stage, treat the conversation as an evolving, two-way discussion. Pre-teens appreciate being heard and having their opinions valued.

Have open, honest discussions: Invite your pre-teen to share what they’ve heard or believe about homelessness. Ask questions like, “Have you seen anything on social media or in the news about homelessness? What do you think about it?” Listen to their thoughts and respond with facts and empathy. If they have misunderstandings (for example, “Maybe all homeless people are on the streets because they made bad choices”), gently challenge that with real explanations: “Actually, many people become homeless due to circumstances beyond their control, like a company closing and people losing jobs, or medical bills, etc. It’s rarely as simple as a bad choice.”

Connect to values and critical thinking: Pre-teens can discuss broader ideas like fairness, social responsibility, and compassion. Talk about how our community treats people in need. You might discuss questions like, “What do you think society should do to help people who don’t have homes?” This can lead to meaningful talks about empathy and even policy (at a basic level). Encourage them to think about solutions, not just causes.

Encourage empathy over judgment: At this age, children become aware of stereotypes or may hear peers making harsh comments. Reinforce that we don’t know everyone’s story and it’s important not to judge without understanding. If your child expresses frustration or bias (e.g., “why can’t they just ___?”), acknowledge their feelings but refocus on compassion: “It’s understandable to feel upset seeing people suffering. That’s why it’s important we treat them kindly and support ways to help, rather than blaming them.”

Involve them in being part of the solution: Pre-teens are capable of taking action with guidance. Empower them by suggesting they can volunteer, raise awareness, or educate others. For instance, they could help out at a shelter with you, organize a donation drive at school, or simply share what they’ve learned with friends. Activating their empathy into action can give them a sense of agency rather than helplessness.

No matter the age, remember to keep the conversation going. One talk isn’t enough; homelessness and empathy are topics to revisit over time. As your child grows, continue the dialogue, answer new questions, and look for teachable moments (like seeing a news story or encountering someone in need). Regular, honest conversations ensure that compassion becomes a consistent family value.