Are My Kids Living In Poverty?

I saw an advert the other day by a children's charity that claimed 1 in 3 children in Manchester live in poverty. I found this to be positively shocking, and wondered whether the figure was a little high? I'm not doubting that there are a lot of kids from poor families in Manchester, but 1 in 3 living in poverty? What is classed as poverty? Is it a really low level where their parents really cannot afford to feed them everyday, or a higher level where it is whether the kids have Sky Sports or an iPad? I thought that judging by the 1 in 3 figure, either one of my two daughters, or my niece will be living in poverty. Scary thought. I checked the BBC website to get a definition of the 'poverty line' and it read, "when families have a net income that is below 60% of median net disposable income", which equates to £250 per week. 

Now, there must be thousands of families who have a low income, for example £250 per week, who are proud working people who would be shocked to find out that, technically, they are living on or around the poverty line. Personally I would view poverty as the genuine inability to feed your family consistently. I am very confident that I could pay my bills and feed my family with that £250 per week. Large, nutritious meals can be created quite cheaply. Problems arise when low income families (and higher income families for that matter) settle for ready meals and takeaways, on which the mark up is extremely high. 

I would say a child's overall well being is a better gauge than simply a family's income alone. A low income family, let's say slightly below the poverty line, can have a child that is perfectly fulfilled without having to spend a fortune doing so. Simple things like putting your child first helps. There are lots of family activities that are free. Going for a walk is great- a breath of fresh air and an important bit of exercise. A country walk is even better for obvious reasons. A child will gain so much from an afternoon reading books with their mum or dad, and I feel a bedtime story calms them down ready for sleep. The list goes on. Kids don't NEED expensive games consoles or tablets. Staring blankly at a screen for hours on end will not give them anything. 

I know I seem very patronising on this matter and I know it is very hard to entertain kids day in day out on a budget, but inclusive family activities are so important for a child's security and development. I am not denying the poverty line is there and apparent. However I stand by my point that you can be under the 'poverty line' and still be happy and fulfilled- and what matters more?