It is a crazy life. Being someone's parent means that you will seriously impact their future, and I take that commitment very seriously. Right now I primarily focus on teaching my little boy how to live well for Jesus, take responsibility for his actions and obey his parents in the Lord.
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Although it would be nice, I don't believe that it is super necessary to have enough money saved to cover your children's complete college expenses. It would be if you intended to pay for it, as parents -- but I also believe that many students who work hard to achieve great grades and test scores during high school, find jobs in summers between high school and throughout college can have a lot of ownership in paying for their own school and taking fiscal responsibility for it --with their parent's gifts and help as extra. That's where I stand right now on that -- of course, things could change.
The Unknowns
I haven't drawn up super official living wills and such, but we have spoken to my sister and her husband about our intentions for them to be guardians of our kids should anything happen to us. It is strange to think about, but important. I am reminded that we might need to get more figured out!
Leaving a Legacy
In my opinion, it is wonderful to leave your children and grandchildren a legacy! This may take many forms -- I think one awesome legacy that my husband's Grandpa has already given him was in the form of a Christmas gift one year to his entire family -- His grandpa recorded himself reading the entire Bible on cassette tapes! Isn't that amazing?
Another form of a legacy could be gifts of money, property, etc. This can give a boost to a family to help them build generosity in their own home, rather than having to be so tight financially. I hope that I will be able leave a legacy and raise my children to inherit responsibly and graciously.
I sang this song for my school in Junior High:: I can't think of a better conclusion :)
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I am so blessed that my parents taught me the value of a dollar, and had me work for the things I wanted. Sure they helped with things I needed, but I'm glad they didn't just give me everything. :) Sounds like you're on the right track to teach your kids the same thing!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea of leaving a legacy! That's so cool. I'm going to have to put some real thought into that. Thanks for linking up to Mamas Tell All!
ReplyDeleteMe too :) Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteYep -- right with you on that one, sister! :) Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteAwww this was really great Andrea! There is so much more to leave to our kids than money and things. I have lots of journals that I hope one day my children and grandchildren will cherish! So neat his grandfather did that recording!
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a family yet, but we definitely want to at least help with their education, for sure. But leaving a legacy, as you said, is so much more important! I hope when time comes I will leave something that will touch them and remind them of our love for them and for our family.
ReplyDeleteLove this post!
ReplyDeleteWe opened a college account for Mia just a couple months after she was born. Hopefully she will get scholarships and have her own savings account (from working, because yes, we will probably make her have a job through high school and college) to go towards paying for college, but at least we will have this account to fall back on!
Even thought you don't have an official will drawn up (we don't either) you need to write down your wishes and you and your husband need to sign it. When we bought our life insurance, our agent (or whatever you would call him?) told us that a handwritten note with signatures is just as official as a will, until we can afford to have that made (or whatever the reason for waiting to have one drawn up) So maybe do that and stick it with your important documents, and make a copy for your sister and her hubs to have on hand just in case!!
You have a beautiful family!!
I love journals :) That is so wonderful Whitney! I know that will be such a blessing to your kids! The recordings are just such an extraordinary gift -- I agree :D
ReplyDeleteThat's so wonderful, Andrea! It is great to already have some of those things in mind :D Thank you for commenting!!
ReplyDeleteI love that concept of having her work hard, but also providing a generous help to her -- empowering rather than enabling. Thank you for the tips -- I really appreciate it! It is so lovely to meet you -- I'm now following you on Bloglovin'! Thanks for stopping by :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't really thought about this!! Well actually, I feel like my blog is something I'm leaving for them. I have two boys, so who knows if they'll ever be interesting in reading it lol, but maybe their wives or daughters will!
ReplyDeleteI really like that song, it was on repeat for awhile when it first came out. My dad's aim for each of his children was that we love God, live right, and finish strong in aiming to do that in my own life through the example my parents set, I hope to encourage compassion for others in others and my one day far off in the future children. I like hearing people talk about legacy, it is nice to know others are thinking about the future impact of their lives and what one does today. Whatever you decide as far as funding College or not funding college for your children, as long as they know you support them in their pursuits they will do fine either way.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. I am not a parent yet but have already been thinking about how much of an impact parents have in the lives of children. Somewhat daunting and somewhat beautiful at the same time.
ReplyDeleteOoo I think that is a great point, Jessica -- I think your blog is definitely a legacy! I hope that some of my children/their spouses will enjoy my blog and journals one day too -- great thought! :D
ReplyDeleteMe too, Felicia! It is crazy how the song has so much more meaning to me now than when I first heard it years ago! I think I would really like your dad :) It sounds like you are doing just that! I love your thoughts on this -- thank you so much for sharing! I'm your newest Facebook follower :D
ReplyDeleteI love your intentionality -- and I totally agree with you. That feeling of "a great responsibility" you're so right!
ReplyDeleteI'm your new facebook follower :) it is neat how the song holds more meaning as the years go by. My dad is a pretty cool guy, in my opinion. :)
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