Every child's right to a happy childhood is our collective responsibility. We are failing when over 300,000 children in Portugal live below the poverty line. Growing up in poverty affects development, learning, and sense of belonging, perpetuating cycles of poverty and increasing inequality. While Portugal has reduced overall poverty, it has increased among certain groups, such as single-parent families and couples with children, many of whom are working but still cannot escape poverty. Furthermore, housing costs are pushing many families into poverty. Over 3,000 children are living in substandard housing, such as tents or dilapidated buildings. Combating child poverty should be a national priority requiring a multisectoral approach. It is incomprehensible that the government has placed the National Strategy for Combating Poverty under the Social Security Institute rather than the Prime Minister's office, as it requires coordination across all ministries, including education, housing, and labour. The government's current policies, including labour reforms and housing strategies, are failing to address these systemic issues, which would benefit the entire country if tackled through integrated, universal policies.