Busking Mother with children in tow

[nicnacs_4u]

Shopping at my local supermarket the other day I came across a young mum playing a flute near the entrance door..with her playing on a rug were her two young children and a baby in a pram.An old hat supported a sign stating her husband was looking for work and with 5 children to feed and cloth any contribution would be great...kinda made me feel sad & disappointed that she had her children there to beg for money(I did give)

I would be interested to see what other`s think

[boris1gary]

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@nicnacs_4u wrote:

Shopping at my local supermarket the other day I came across a young mum playing a flute near the entrance door..with her playing on a rug were her two young children and a baby in a pram.An old hat supported a sign stating her husband was looking for work and with 5 children to feed and cloth any contribution would be great...kinda made me feel sad & disappointed that she had her children there to beg for money(I did give)

I would be interested to see what other`s think

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She wasn't begging, she was busking. I doubt she could afford child care so what should she have done with her children, left them at home alone. Maybe she was just doing her bit to try and make some much needed money.

[lionrose.7]

I have to admire her shows she will do any thing to feed her children and is looking after her children by having them with her.

As the old saying goes walk a mile in her shoes

[freddie*rooster]

Hmmm i'm always a little hesitant to give $$ to people in these circumstances, not knowing the situation I would be more inclined to go buy some fruit, bread and treats for the children.

[lloydslights]

I am of a similar view, Freddie.  In areas that I have frequented,  one has to apply for a busker's licence and have a certain degree of expertise in their busking skill.

DEB

[boris1gary]

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@freddie*rooster wrote:

Hmmm i'm always a little hesitant to give $$ to people in these circumstances, not knowing the situation I would be more inclined to go buy some fruit, bread and treats for the children.

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I always give money to buskers and beggars, when I was travelling with a large group of Australians a few years ago, they were very cross about it and kept telling me off and laughing at me. My answer was and still is - That could be me or you, one wrong turn and any of us could end up desperate or homeless.

The funniest was at Central station in Sydney, a bloke came up to me while I was waiting for a friend and asked for some spare change, when I told him I didn't have any change he suggested we walk to the cake shop and break a note, I did and got him a cake, a coffee and gave him $10.  

[lloydslights]

A long time ago now, I caught a train back from Sydney (after the peak hour).  A dishevelled beggar girl got on and proceeded to count her "earnings"  she had more coin in value than my weekly earnings at the time.

DEB

[lloydslights]

Another time, I gave fairly regularly to a particular streetperson.  Unfortunately, word got around in his circle of friends that I was a good touch and I became hounded for "help".   So I started giving vouchers for a particular store.  They were selling them for less than their value! To go and buy "plonk" 

I had to toughen up and told them that I would be joining them if they didn't stop.

DEB

[boris1gary]

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@lloydslights wrote:

A long time ago now, I caught a train back from Sydney (after the peak hour).  A dishevelled beggar girl got on and proceeded to count her "earnings"  she had more coin in value than my weekly earnings at the time.

DEB

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So, you couldn't possibly know her circumstances just from counting her money. I find it better to try not to judge on a few minutes of watching someone and coming up with all sorts of unfounded conclusions. Not saying thats what you did but a lot of people do. I find it better to be generous rather than suspicious.

[catsnknots]

There use to be a well known beggar in Melbourne... you would see him every day all disheveled and holding a poor me sign with his loyal dog by his side..... the police did an investigation on him after several complaints and it was found that he was claiming benefits but living in a very expensive property. They calculated that he was earning about $600 to $700 per day of cash in hand donations from unsuspecting well meaning people. He lived a very privileged life on that money.... and he was good at his job that was begging.... 

I believe it was after that episode that the Melbourne council put in a few more laws about begging. 

BUT on the OP's post, I actually admire some people that do out and busk for a few extra dollars.... that is not begging it is working for cash. Good on her. I hope her hubby finds a job.