ARTICLES
WRITTEN BY SAM X RENICK
(A.K.A. SAM, SAM, THE MONYEY MAN):
Thank
God My Parents Abandoned Me? ©
Children’s financial author, Sam X Renick recently had the privilege
of hearing philanthropist, David Bussau, speak. David is the co-founder
of Opportunity International, which is known for its “micro
lending” programs to the poor and impoverished around the globe.
Above all, Sam indicated he was surprised to hear Bussau share that
he felt blessed to have been abandoned by his parents as a child.
According to Renick, “The self-made millionaire went on to explain
to the audience that instead of handicapping him emotionally, becoming
an orphan provided him freedom to discover life on his own, as it
really is.”
Renick advised, “He had never thought of his own parents as
a liability, at least not a major one,” which got him to wondering,
“How many children today might share Bussau’s feelings.
How many children might not consider their parents an asset?”
Renick shared, “My stomach turned as I quickly realized Bussau
is probably not alone. Recent articles like the Time Magazine story,
“Do Kids Have Too Much Power?” and Krista Ramsey’s
“Are Our Children Overindulged?” imply the problem is
widespread. They make it easy to believe kids in10 to 20 years will
be telling their parents “F___ you! You suck!”
Renick’s suspicions were confirmed in a discussion with psychotherapist
and family counselor, Dr. Charles Unger who advised him many children
are already communicating worse.
The author said, “Sadly, it is not hard to believe, in spite
of good intentions, parent caretaking and thinking in many cases probably
is a liability to children. This seems especially true when it comes
to money.”
Renick further shared, “Some parents in their haste to give
kids everything they want or did not have themselves growing up, are
not giving them what they need and apparently really want most: “discipline!”
At least that is what his discussion with Dr. Unger revealed. According
to Renick, the discipline Dr. Unger refers to here is structure, consistency
and a set of rules that provide kids clearly defined boundaries.
Renick, went on to share, “Bussau, a parent himself, said his
personal journey changed when he started asking himself a few questions,
like how much money and material things are enough?” “Maybe
he is on to something,” Renick added. “Perhaps questions
are the answers.”
Renick suggested, parents may want to consider the following questions
to help them refocus their time and energy:
What do I really value?
Does my allocation of time and resources (financial and otherwise)
reflect those values?
What behavior, values and skills do I really want to encourage in
my child? (What is my goal?)
What price is my child paying for me not consistently demonstrating
and instilling those values?
Is it reasonable to expect children to value or appreciate something
they have not earned?
“This is probably the most difficult time in history to be a
parent,” said Renick. “Parents need help, which is why
we created our books and music. They are simple and easy to use. And
best of all, kids love them.” He went on to add, “If we
really want children to have bright futures and truly thank us when
they are grown, perhaps we should be examining these issues. Needless
to say, children need parents, particularly ones who are committed
to parenting. These are the types of parents who are not only assets
to their children, but to society as well.”
Renick is the author of two financial books for children: It’s
a Habit, Sammy Rabbit! and Will Sammy Ride the World’s First
Space Coaster?; he also produced the music CD titled Get in the Habit!;
and is the founder of The It’s a Habit! Company, Inc., a socially
conscious corporation dedicated to providing parents and educators
with wholesome, entertaining and educational tools that help them
encourage children to develop good habits, especially saving money.
He and the company’s main character, Sammy “the Get in
the Habit Rabbit” are touring the country encouraging children
to “Show Their Families the Way!” by practicing good habits
like saving money. They will appear next in Manchester, New Hampshire,
on October 17th, to celebrate New Hampshire’s Partner in Education
Blue Ribbon Awards. That visit will be followed by a visit to Washington
D.C. on October 26th, to make a presentation to the American Savings
Education Council titled
“Communicating Financial Education, An Alternate Approach.”
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