Last Friday, May 27, 2022, we joined children and parents worldwide to celebrate Children’s Day, a symbolic day dedicated to celebrating and appreciating them in several ways. Like every year, the celebration has been the usual; children are granted a holiday from school and engaged in social activities, including excursions and march parades.
Some governments go as far as having a “child governor” for that day to celebrate and inspire them for leadership and impact.
But is this not what has been done on Children’s Day for more than 50 years or since the symbolic day was established in 1964? The usuals, the cliches, followed by a sigh of relief as we wait for the next holiday. These recurring activities are tremendous and symbolic, no doubt, but if this whole day has been set aside to cherish and adore our children, should we not go beyond the mundane and do the extra? If they indeed mean the world to us, should we not do the most to make that day memorable for them?
This edition highlights three ways to make the subsequent celebration more memorable for the children and steps you can take today to ensure that next year’s celebration is not just another tick off the box.
How about a paid Children’s Day Work from Home Day for parents?
For working parents, the Children’s Day holiday does not align with their fast-paced work-life, thereby denying them the opportunity to spend quality time with their children.
Like the governments, which set the day aside for the children, employers should encourage parents to either take the day off, work from home, or get off work early to spend quality time with their kids. Parents can seize that opportunity to get their children to see their desired movies, make their favourite meal, go through photo collages, or read bedtime stories.
According to a report by Our World in Data, “the amount of time parents spend with their kids has been increasing over the last 50 years” in many countries. But this parental desire to maintain this healthy engagement is impeded mainly by the parent’s busy work life. Employers must understand that they, too, like the governments, owe these children, the workforce of the future, the enablement of proper parenting to be guaranteed the capacity for society to consistently build a pipeline of talents that would help them continually achieve their vision.
Read also: Cordros Asset Management unveils ‘Every Child a Milestone Fund’ campaign to drive inclusion
Can we spice up the day with some colourful moments?
Children will enjoy being treated to their favourite meal, an outing, bedtime stories, spending time with them, and going for march parades; instead of going the expected route, add some colours and spice to it.
Children’s Day commemorations are usually left to schools to plan social activities for the kids, but instead of the regular, why not gather some parents, host a bonding session to play games with the kids, and watch them have the best time of their lives.
Parents can host a painting, drawing, or reading session and watch your kids express themselves; you should not only gather your children’s friends and playmates for birthday celebrations alone but make the day memorable because it matters to them. You could also involve other parents, who can choose to host the next celebration annually. Whatever you do, ensure it is remarkable and fun for the kids.
Can we do something today that impacts their tomorrow?
Unarguably, the greatest worry for any parent is what will become of their children in the future and whether there is a decision to make today that will impact positively in years to come? Worrying is never enough. Instead, taking actionable proactive steps is the best mitigation to this growing concern.
We have heard parents say, “my children mean the world to me; they are my everything. I am ready to do whatever it takes to ensure they get the best that life has to offer”. While this statement genuinely comes from a sincere heart, little or nothing is done to ensure actions match these inspirational words. So instead of saying it, act it out, and create sustainable measures that ensure they get the best life has to offer. You will do the most if they mean a lot to you. This is where wealth creation and transfer come in.
It is not always about the huge chunk of money or assets you can give them; it is in the needed support they would get should life happen, and you cannot be by their side when they need you the most. You may not always be physically present, but you can leave a legacy that stands through despite the test of time, which is what parenting means. What measures have you taken to ensure nothing affects their education, or do you plan to rely on families and friends to fill the gap in the worst-case scenario? What steps have you taken to ensure all you have worked for actually get equitably transferred to them if heavens call a parent today? Or are you leaving it to chance?
We sincerely hope you give these questions a good thought and take the needed steps to ensure your loved ones get the best. You can be a step ahead by making the best decisions and forging the right partnerships. This is where Leadway comes in to help create an education plan that guarantees an uninterrupted education or a life insurance cover that guarantees compensation for them, or a professionally put-together Will that ensures your wealth and assets get transferred to them, should life happen.
Leadway is the veritable partner you can rely on when planning for your future and those of your loved ones, and with industry-leading non-banking financial tools and risk management plans that give meaning and security in an uncertain future for your children.
For more information, you can request to speak to Leadway Financial Management Experts on 01-2800-70 or email Lcs@leadway.com for professional advice. You can also request a call back by visiting www.leadway.com/call-me.
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