Dads are an important factor in families. Think about it. What did your father bring to the family tone? Stability, chaos, peace, joy, anger.......? There are many famous stories about fathers and their impact shared throughout history. We are all familiar with the story of George Washington's father asking GW if he chopped down the cherry tree. True or not, it's familiar. The weak father who was loved dearly by his daughter in the story of Cinderella is another well known figure. By marrying too quickly and not knowing his bride, he put his daughter in a terrible position after his death. Good or Bad, father's matter.
I think of my own dad, who I am blessed to still have in my life. He is a man who build a solid foundation for his family. Each of his six (yes, 6) children have grown to be self supporting, community building, and successful in life. We have all learned from his (and my mother's) example of "the tough get going, when the going gets tough". There is nothing beyond our reach, if we work to obtain it.
As a parent myself, it amazes me when I think back at the balancing act my parents managed to live. My father, specifically, worked full time, completed his college degree, coached children's soccer teams and tended a "major" garden to provide vegetables and fruit for his large family. After his degree was completed, he balanced the remaining activities and at times, worked a part time job, as well.
Working, having fun while working and working together were mandatory in our home. Work wasn't looked upon as a punishment. I'm reminded of a line from the movie, "Return to me". Carroll O'Connor plays a doting grandfather. When his adult granddaughter asks if she can help clean up the restaurant they own, he responds, "I'm blessed to have work!"
For my dad, there was a purpose greater than himself - giving his children a "hand up" rather than a "hand out". He taught us to work, share, care and hope. He taught us how to survive without him. This is (in my eyes) one of the greatest gifts a parent can give to a child.
Challenge for today: Teach your child how to live without you financially. Suggestion: give an allowance (age appropriate) rather than buying what they "need" each week. Help them budget and when they fail (and they should sometimes fail), help them through the pain of not having something they "need" (not by buying it for them). This can be done with even very young children. Be creative.
Extra challenge: Get three banks (or one made with three sections). Teach the kids to save, give and spend. All three are necessary for balance. Many suggest give 10%, save at least 10% and spend the rest.
As your child grows, the allowance grows and they can buy their own "activities", clothes, cell phone, etc. This helps the parents to budget, as well!
I think of my own dad, who I am blessed to still have in my life. He is a man who build a solid foundation for his family. Each of his six (yes, 6) children have grown to be self supporting, community building, and successful in life. We have all learned from his (and my mother's) example of "the tough get going, when the going gets tough". There is nothing beyond our reach, if we work to obtain it.
As a parent myself, it amazes me when I think back at the balancing act my parents managed to live. My father, specifically, worked full time, completed his college degree, coached children's soccer teams and tended a "major" garden to provide vegetables and fruit for his large family. After his degree was completed, he balanced the remaining activities and at times, worked a part time job, as well.
Working, having fun while working and working together were mandatory in our home. Work wasn't looked upon as a punishment. I'm reminded of a line from the movie, "Return to me". Carroll O'Connor plays a doting grandfather. When his adult granddaughter asks if she can help clean up the restaurant they own, he responds, "I'm blessed to have work!"
For my dad, there was a purpose greater than himself - giving his children a "hand up" rather than a "hand out". He taught us to work, share, care and hope. He taught us how to survive without him. This is (in my eyes) one of the greatest gifts a parent can give to a child.
Challenge for today: Teach your child how to live without you financially. Suggestion: give an allowance (age appropriate) rather than buying what they "need" each week. Help them budget and when they fail (and they should sometimes fail), help them through the pain of not having something they "need" (not by buying it for them). This can be done with even very young children. Be creative.
Extra challenge: Get three banks (or one made with three sections). Teach the kids to save, give and spend. All three are necessary for balance. Many suggest give 10%, save at least 10% and spend the rest.
As your child grows, the allowance grows and they can buy their own "activities", clothes, cell phone, etc. This helps the parents to budget, as well!
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