I've been getting a consistent stream of criticism lately after my most recent post about inheritances. I'll share one particular message I received, aimed specifically at the following line from my post:
"My job as a parent isn't to drop millions of dollars on my kids when they are 60 years old so they can finally live a comfortable retirement. My job as a parent is to train my kids to pursue work that matters, be financially responsible, understand the principles of discipline and sacrifice, become absurdly generous, and find meaning in their lives."
Here's what someone wrote back: "Our jobs as parents, especially as fathers, is to make our children's lives as easy as possible. That's the win."
As you can see, that's about as opposite of my perspective as humanly possible. When I read or receive comments like this, it makes me think about this famous quote:
“Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”
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I wrote a few hundred words about my perspective on this topic, but my perspective is already obvious. Instead of giving you those words to digest, I'd rather invite you to take that time to ponder these two philosophies. Why? Because it matters. Whether you lean more my way or this other gentleman's way, it shapes how you raise your kids (or treat your grown children).
Easy and comfortable vs. challenging and meaningful? Can you have your cake and eat it, too? Possibly, but the odds are not in your favor. As for me, I will never endeavor to make my kids' lives easier. Instead, I will constantly build into them the ability to fail, the desire to pursue meaning, the stomach to persevere, the passion to chase what matters, and the heart to be absurdly generous. It may be the hardest thing they've ever done, which will be my gift to them.
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