We Must Train Our Children

We've been virtually walking through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University together over the past couple of months. While I've shared some of the experiences and insights derived from attending the classes, one of the great treasures that accompanies the program is the book Financial Peace Revisited.

In Chapter Seventeen: Family, Friends and Money, Dave unknowingly sucker-punched me in the gut. He explained how he and his wife raised their children to adopt a strong work ethic, and how to properly manage their money. By the time they were teenagers, they were able to seek out and earn commissions on various jobs, run a household budget and make adult-like financial decisions.

And then, I thought about the things I have (and haven't) taught my own children. Our kids are "normal", having grown up in a lower middle-class neighborhood. While they do not receive everything they want, they aren't in need. Often, they have things given to them (such as portable electronics) on holidays, instead of working towards reaching a particular goal themselves. On all accounts they're on par with the average American- which is sad. What have I done to teach my children about money? What about hard work?

If I take an honest look at my children, it's obvious we've done them a great disservice. Currently, none of them will work unless poked, prodded or nagged to do so. And, I'm certain that the word "budget" isn't a part of their young vocabulary. While they vary in age, they're what Dave would call "financial four year olds". If left unchanged, I worry about what kind of adults they'll become. They're great kids, mind you. But are they prepared for the real world? No.

It's definitely time to change all of that. In the days to come, I hope to teach basic budgeting skills, and the power found in working hard and saving money. Most importantly, we'll keep taking steps to model Godly, responsible adult lives for them to mirror.

Proverbs 22:6 (The Message)

Point your kids in the right direction— when they're old they won't be lost.

Good night