Some people think the greatest threat to children’s welfare is living in poverty. I disagree.

I was born in 1935, and America was in the middle of the Great Depression. Jobs were very hard to find and many families lived in poverty (way more than we have today). Parents would deprive themselves for the welfare of their children, and they did not need money to give their children love and affection, along with teaching personal responsibility and the Golden Rule — to treat others as they want to be treated.

People should understand it’s not lack of money that’s a threat to children’s welfare, but the breakup of the family. When children grow up in one-parent homes where there are problems such as hate, anger, drugs use or acts of violence, some end up with mental problems. Some of them will think life is not worth living, and they commit suicide.

Today we have too many men and women who think that life is all about me, myself and I. There’s a quote from the Talmud that I believe, if followed, helps men to be better husbands and fathers or women to be better wives and mothers.

“The woman came out of a man’s rib. Not from his feet to be walked on. Not from his head to be superior, but from the side to be equal. Under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved.”

I encourage people to think about these words and try very hard to live by them. These words will help a couple’s marriage become stronger, and their children will benefit. (Also, they should keep away in-laws who try to meddle in their marriage.)

Joseph Riitano Sr., Sangerville