Three Things I Want My Kid To Learn Before 18
What makes her happy and how to go after those things…
The most important thing in life is to be happy, we spend quite a few years here (on earth) and I want Erin to be as happy as possible for as much of that time as possible. My next two things should help, along with teaching her how to look after herself well, what it means to be in a fulfilling relationship and the importance of family and friendship.
A parent/s that can offer a sound and safe base from which their children can explore is offering a very special thing. Being able to live life knowing that if something goes wrong that sound and safe base will still be there is very reassuring.
The value of money and how to manage it…
In my opinion financial stress is one of the worst types of stress I know. I want to teach Erin the value of money early on, the value of spending it and the value of saving/investing it. How to earn money, and how to live within your means will also be high up on the agenda.
Learning doesn’t have to end when school does…
Finally, like the value of money I’d like to teach Erin the value of lifelong learning. Continuing to learn and not being afraid to go back to education or retrain will be a valuable skill when Erin is older, with an everchanging workforce, flexibility and a plethora of skills are surely high on any employer’s wish list. Of course, I will also be showing Erin that you do not need to work for someonelse and it is equally viable to start your own business or income streams.
What would you like your child to learn before 18?
Mammablogga Group Writing Project
I'm a 27 year old mum to 4 year old Erin. We live just outside Edinburgh in a small village. I've been blogging for four years and write about anything and everything that takes my fancy.
Themocracy
Wow. Great post. Especially the one about money. As someone who just figured out how to manage money last year (at the age of 38) I totally agree!
Great job!
I guess we are all still learning Karen, I know I am, a good basic knowledge and a bit of experience handling money is probably the best we (parents) can offer.
Financial literacy — our school district just added a requirement that all kids need a class in finance before they graduate. They must have heard you!
I don’t think I’ve seen managing money in any of the posts yet, and it’s such an essential skill. We’re trying to teach our little guy (16 months) to save. He doesn’t really understand it, but he loves his piggy bank!
Thanks for participating.
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Living within their means – practically a forgotten art these days, but so very important.
oh my yes…..great three things!
Robin – Yeah, It’s all about what material objects you own now, not what you can actually afford. I will try a little tough love when Erin is older by specifically showing her that if she doesn’t have the money she can’t have it, there is no bank of mum and dad. I’ll try and encourage her to look for ways to actually make the money instead.
Great list! Thanks for sharing.
Nice posting – made me stop and think about how I bring up The Bean. You don’t often hear these days about the value of money and I agree with you it’s important. I don’t think you ever stop learning, it’s a lifelong process, though the lessons aren’t necessarily academic. I share your aspirations about offering a safe and secure base.
You’re right, being open to learning in a non acandemic way is important too.
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