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You hear a lot these days from financial pundits about the benefits of investing, and how careful planning with your money early on in your career will allow you to have a secure financial future. By making good decisions and some sacrifices for the sake of saving now, when you retire you’ll reap the benefits of that effort.
Now, nobody thinks to themselves “Let’s see… I want to live my life buying stuff I can’t afford, go into massive amounts of debt, eventually declare bankruptcy, and retire in utter poverty.” But it happens, and likely will if you don’t have a financial plan and stick to it. I heard once long ago that “if you aim at nothing, you’re sure to hit it.” The key notion there is that with no goal, you’re basically planning for failure. Thus, the idea is to set a target goal, plan steps to reach that goal, and stick with it.
It occurred to me recently that the same reasoning can be applied to raising children. How you take care of them now will have a tremendous impact on how they’ll carry on when they’re up and out on their own.
So what’s your goal in raising your children?
Myself, I’d like my kids to have great memories, patience, moral integrity, faith in God and a great sense of humor.
My plan for reaching these goals is to exemplify these behaviors myself, to daily steer them away from bad behavior and foster an environment in which they can thrive. I have to be patient myself, not at all an easy task. I have to maintain moral integrity, and be a man of my word. I must practice my faith in God, and provide reasons for their faith and answers to their questions. I must take the time to provide them with opportunities for making memories, whether it’s vacations or building projects or family events at home. And I will use humor as much as possible and where appropriate to help season their lives with laughter and joy.
The best part of investing in your children is that you will receive dividend payouts now AND later.
June 16, 2008 |
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tenakim, Moms June 16, 2008 3:39 pm
The only thing I can afford to invest in right now are my kids!
I want to teach them to be themselves and be proud of wherever that brings them. I want them to be honest, kind and a good friend. I want them to know that what you give comes back ten fold.
jnbammer, Dads June 16, 2008 4:09 pm
Great post Tom! You have a great perspective on life and I love the investment analogy. The best thing about investing in our kids is that, for the most part, you get an instant return on investment in the form of hugs, kisses and pride.
Maureen, Painting/Drawing June 16, 2008 4:20 pm
Ah, yes, my investment is nearly matured… she’s 17 now and I think I’ve made some good decisions during that time…
Great analogy!
trysh, Crafting June 16, 2008 4:59 pm
You hit it exactly right! What your kids will watch and emulate is what you DO, not what you say. You are sure on the right track by trying to live the values you want them to have - that kind of teaching always sticks!
My three sons are now all grown - and are fine men - sometimes because of me, sometimes in spite of…lol!
Very thoughtful post!
ourcrookedtree, Moms June 19, 2008 10:21 am
Well said and well written. I posted something about this subject last week on my blog (but not as well as you did)