Two recent stories about the lives of poor kids growing up in the United States shed light on how crucial it is for all kids to have an equal start in life. Unfortunately, both articles show just how far we have to go to achieve that equality.

Data shows that disadvantages in early childhood development determine the rest of a child’s life. And the day-to-day life of children varies dramatically depending on the conditions in which they are born. It’s time we let go of the myth that people are born equal in any way that really matters, and it’s clear that our “luck of the draw” system for deciding who gets what at birth needs to go. 

Instead, let’s embrace parenting models that move resources from the rich to the poor to give all children a fair start in life.