Mike CernovichVerified account

Overcoming adversity builds character.

I have finally worked through my childhood. It was the most painful and courageous thing I have ever done.

You know, poverty is such a relative thing. I’ve been lucky enough to travel extensively in about 40 countries. And not as a five star tourist. I’ve seen naked children Playing in the dirt. Extremely happy children playing in the dirt. I think you r myopic.

That’s nonsense. I grew up poor. Adversity teaches you life lessons that being wealthy will not. I grew up poor and still had a great childhood. The reason people won’t raise their kids poor is because it’s not safe. We say we want to give our kids a better life. We mean safer.

Don’t you think growing up poor lights a fire of ambition that rich kids don’t have? I do.

Since I grew up poor, I have an issue with money. I hang on to it & plan as best I can not to waste it. My husband kiddingly calls my wallet the vault...once it goes in...it takes a while to come out. I live in a nice house, in a nice city, but my childhood had an affect on me.

Hardship is often a builder of character, something positive can be taken out of any situation.

Growing up with financial difficulties motivated me to do better and not burden my parents. I got an accounting degree because I knew I would always have a good job though I knew nothing about accounting. I still act like I need to save money now though I don’t have to

Working minimum wage jobs taught me the value of money and work. If I have kids I will definitely make them work for their allowances. I couldn’t believe so many kids got allotted money every week like they deserved it

There are many valuable lessons that one can learn. They learn to figure things out on their own, not expecting anything from anybody, appreciation, grateful, imagination, being creative, improvising, etc.

You are absolutely right for the most part. That being said spoiling your children is obviously bad as they will struggle in the real world. For example, I think it's beneficial for adolescents to have a low level summer job at least once. Even if they/you wouldn't need the money

I struggle with the fact that my kids are at a disadvantage growing up in a middle class town. Rather than in a Bronx neighborhood like me. Play dates. Being driven rather than just walking to friends houses unattended. Fighting at a young age.

That statement speaks truth into many arguments spewed out by the left. If something, such as growing up poor, has been so good to you and taught you so many things, bring up your kids that way; we'll see just how great it was to you.

Nothing wrong with making lemonade out of life’s lemons.

So now he’s a psychologist.

My children were privileged but all had summer jobs, many of them doing unsavory tasks.

“Everybody's story is different, but you can stay poor or start doing something about it.” ....is the canned response I get. Yes, I did do that with my life but I hide a lot of scars.

It did make me who I am, but it also gave me lessons I can teach without my children living it also.