Hard Lessons To Teach Your Kids Now

•  You’ve Got to Work

The earlier they learn how to earn a living the better. Pay them for chores, let them get a part-time job or an internship. They’ll learn that the road to success is paved with work.

• Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees

They get their own allowance, but do they have their own expenses? Have them buy their own snacks, toys or other treats to help them learn the value
of a Naira.

• Good Credit Is Important

When they’re 18, take them to your bank to talk to a representative about the ins and outs of credit scores. Then get them their own secured card with about ₦10,000 limit. Promise a limit increase if they pay on time. You’ll help them build credit and give them the tools to keep it good.

• You’ve Got to Save

Open a bank account for your child and help them make regular deposits to save up for something they really want.

• College Is Expensive

Kids can start saving for college as soon as they start earning. Take a percentage of their allowance or pay check every month to pay for books, tuition and living expenses. If they do the work to seek out a scholarship, they get the money back.

• You Don’t Live for Free

Charging your kids rent is a great idea. Put their payments in an account and surprise them with a few free months of rent when they’re out and on their own.

• It’s A Long Way Down

And it’s hard on the bottom. Volunteer work is a great way to show them the benefits of hard work and education.

• Drugs Are Bad

A trip to a rehab center for a close look at the damage that drugs can do is a great way to keep kids on the right path.

• Jail Is Worse

Many jails offer “jail and detention tours” to give kids a glimpse of how miserable it really is on the inside.

• This House Isn’t Going to Clean Itself

We grew up cleaning the house — and avoiding the filthy houses of other grown people who clearly didn’t.

• It’s Better On Top

Not all lessons have to be harsh. A vacation somewhere posh or a weekend spent in a beautiful vacation rental can give them a taste of the good life you want them to live. It could inspire them to work harder to get it.

• Reading Is Fundamental

Being well read can give you a big leg up. Instead of watching TV, the family can listen to an audiobook together or sit side by side to read and discuss a book.

• Sometimes You Mess Up

It’s tempting to catch kids before they fail. But letting them deal with the consequences of childhood failures can help teach them to avoid bigger failures later on in life.

• You Have to Eat Healthy

Kids that grow up eating low sodium, low sugar diets with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables are more likely to continue those habits as they get older. And it may help them avoid a lot of the health problems that are endemic in the community.

• Exercise Is Important

Bike, swim and play volleyball as a family. Make it a family tradition that everyone passes down the line.

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Image Credit: jbmthinks