So, What About You?

Here is one thing I have learned about parents: they can often be very hard on themselves. They worry that they are not doing the right things, that they are not spending enough time with their kids, that they are too strict or too lax. No matter what they do, they do not think it is enough. Well, if you are in this camp, I am here to tell you that things are not as bad as they seem. If you have kids of school age, you owe yourself a pat on the back. You have managed the following:

• You have children. This is a major achievement in itself, because you have accepted the responsibility of being a parent and you have made a huge commitment.
• You love your kids. You would not be reading this book if you didn’t. You provide a caring, nurturing environment for your kids.
• You have helped your children develop some important skills and habits.
• You have probably started some kind of money program with your kids (allowance, regular savings, bank accounts), and you have established some policies about chores and treats.
• You have worked on your own personal financial habits. You may have a regular savings plan, an education savings plan, an investment portfolio, and other cornerstones of sound financial planning (for example, wills and insurance).”

So there you go. Things are a lot better than you might think. All of these accomplishments are the stepping stones to your next stage as a parent: beginning to teach your kids about the world of money. You are ready to begin using the Making Allowances System.

 ©Paul W. Lermitte