Teachers, homework, and grades together with that age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” seems to be dominating our conversations at home. My eldest Avi (15) wants to join the army while Vir (13) wants to open a small multi-cuisine bistro.
I am still surprised by the clarity and pragmatism of NRI children today. They seem to know exactly where they are going and what it takes to get there. As parents, we have an important role to play in supporting their dreams, rewarding their commitment and giving them their best chance.
While I am learning every day, I want to share with you, four lessons that I live by to help my boys realise their potential.
- Promoting non-academic learning
I am a strong believer in sports, music and vocational education as an effective way to channel your child’s physical, mental and emotional energy.
By enhancing their agility, fitness, determination and focus; sports provide a great avenue for children to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. Similarly, musical lessons or art classes are an outlet for their imagination, helping children to flex their creative muscles.
Educating your children about money management before they start to make their own financial decisions is an often overlooked but important lesson. Vocational education at HVAC Training HQ or work experience is another a great way to prepare them for a better future by giving them a taste of working life.
Working at Zurich in the Middle East, I am proud to get involved in initiatives that recognise and nurture young talent – whether that is helping skilled fast bowlers at the Zurich Pace Lab or budding investors through our Investars program.
- Nurturing a strong value system
As NRI parents, we tend to focus on academic excellence, however it is equally important to shape their value system.
Honesty, generosity, hard work, resilience and patience are among the qualities that we want to nurture in our children and should be modelled by us as parents. Appreciation of cultural nuances and diversity to instil respect and tolerance are equally important. In the UAE, children have the unique advantage of being exposed to a diverse set of people. This in itself is a powerful teacher.
Encouraging participation in community initiatives is another great way to raise a child with a strong value system.
- Be involved
Balancing that delicate line between over indulging and being involved is a constant challenge for NRI parents.
Listening to your children, learning what inspires them and supporting their goals while giving them room to grow and be independent is not always easy to achieve but we must try.
- Make it possible
Like most NRIs, I have a strong savings discipline and started putting money away for Avi and Vir shortly after they were born. However, with the rising cost of almost everything, it is important to ensure I remain on-track to support them right through to university.
It is important to consider however, that sending your children to college will involve costs above and beyond tuition fees – accommodation, books and other resources, food and travel are not small expenses and will impact your finances if not accounted for.
Tools like a savings calculator will give you a sense of how much you will need to save and a qualified financial professional will help you to navigate through the various savings options available.
Our future certainly looks bright! We are raising a confident, intelligent and spirited generation of leaders. Holistic learning, a strong value system, steady involvement and financial preparedness are the rules I’m living by – my mantra for helping Avi and Vir build a better tomorrow.
