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"Chicklet Kids"

An article was recently published in The Gringo Gazette regarding the children that are often referred to as "Chicklets Kids".  These children can be seen at all hours day and night walking the streets of downtown Cabo San Lucas selling Chicklets, Whistles, Bobble Heads, and other such trinkets.  Their target is the typical tourist. 

It's very hard to look into the eyes of these little ones and not feel some form of sadness or pity and want to help in some way.  Many of us reach into our purses or pockets and hand over a little money in exchange for a trinket, this usually brings a smile to their face. 

So what's the harm in buying some of these trinkets from them?  The children don't benefit from this as one might think, the more they sell ... the more they are sent out to sell by their "handlers" who also collect the money from them.  If they do real well, they are given the duty of training the younger ones. 

Several years ago, I spoke with a few of these children who I see every time I go to Cabo and know on first name basis.  They informed me that when they were very young, they started with chicklets, they were promoted to bobble heads, then whistles, then whatever else.  They are praised for their sales, thus making them very competitive with each other.  The money is always turned over to an adult.  They never agreed to who the adult is, some of them said Momma, some said Aunt ... but there stories changed often.

If you really want to give something to these children, opt for something they can eat instead.  A taco from a taco stand, chips and a drink, a few granola bars, etc.   This will not solve all their problems, but it will make you feel better to know that what you've given is theirs.

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