Children of the Great Depression

  • As parents lost their jobs children were exposed to the realities of the economic crises.
  • Families lost houses and became homeless and transient
  • Malnutrition led to diseases
  • Some children found work wherever they could to help contribute to the family funds
    • Some older children left home to remove some burden off their parents

Boxcar Children

  • Children who left home in search for employment by riding the rails. ( Child hobos )
  • Traveled in large groups for safety. Mixed ages, races, and genders
  • Girls would often disguise themselves as boys for extra protection