I am terrified my child will grow up with the same traumas that I suffered - how, on a very limited income, well below the poverty line, can I assure my child gets the most positive life experience?

By giving them unconditional love, I grew up with little money but also little love. You can do without the best toys and trainers. You cannot become emotionally stable without positive love no matter what they do. They will learn the value of money, hate they don't have the latest iPad but be able to look back and reflect on how much they were loved

Showing a child that you are working hard for them gives them the strength to go accomplish their dreams. I work with children and they don't worry about what they have in life to them it's all about embracing life and having fun. Smiling at a child can mean the world.

adoption n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n nn n n n

Material possessions do not define traumatic experiences if you don't let them. Showing your child affection is more beneficial than any object.

Read to your child...stories of heroes and artists and other admirable people...the library is a house of beauty and truth, especially when a parent reads aloud with love

The most honest answer to this question is to just guide your child in the right direction. Its hard to think of our children growing up in the same environment that we grew up in, especially if it wasn't a pleasant situation. Just try to not make the same mistakes that were made when you grew up and guide your child to the right way to live. Unfortunately we cant make everything perfect as to us being human we all make mistakes, but we can always do the best that we can. As long as you put the effort in then you can always remember you did the best you can.

You are aware of your own traumas and work through it so you won't pass on anything abusive onto your child. And you do the best you can, being loving and considerate and if you work hard doing that then there's a good chance things will work out.

Traditions are very important, and cannot be bought with money. It will take some creativity, of course, but it can be done. We were not in poverty, but with 7 children and one income, we struggled from paycheck to paycheck. But our kids are all wonderful, productive adults. We played games together, both active and nonactive. We went to church together. We ate meals together. We spent time with extended family - picnics, birthday parties, etc. Togetherness and sharing fun are key.

Income has it's own importance for sustaining such as eating, clothes etc, but to assure your child has a positive life experience, having a constant support system, understanding and "safe-zone" is truly important. Having materialistic things in life means nothing when a child doesn't have the comfort of a "Home". You can never go wrong trying your best always and making sure you're always there for your children. Love is key.

Life isn't always about money. My mother didn't have much, but I was happy a lot because of the love she showed in other ways. Be close with your child, be a parent and a best friend, let them know they are important and loved, listen to them, and make them see that they are only as poor as they choose to be. You can be rich with love, companionship, happiness, among other things. I hope you give yourself credit for the things you do right, the love of a parent is extraordinary.