By Ewere Okonta
08037383019
www.ewereokontablog.org.ng
Children are undoubtedly a blessing. They bring love, laughter, and a sense of fulfillment to their parents. They represent hope for the future, ensuring that a family’s legacy continues. But beyond the joys of parenthood, raising children comes with immense responsibilities. Parents must provide, nurture, and guide their children into becoming independent, responsible adults who can contribute meaningfully to society. A well-raised child is not only a source of pride to their family but also an asset to the larger community.
However, a critical question arises: Why do parents invest so much in raising their children? Is it purely out of love and a sense of responsibility, or is there an unspoken expectation that these children will serve as a financial cushion in their old age? This is a deeply thought-provoking issue, and the answer often varies depending on cultural background, personal experiences, and economic circumstances.
For some parents, raising children is a natural duty—something they do out of love and obligation. They believe that as parents, it is their role to provide for their children without expecting anything in return. Others, however, see childrearing as a long-term investment, a form of financial security for their later years. The idea is simple: “I took care of you when you were young, so you must take care of me when I am old.” But should this really be the primary motivation for having children?
Let’s be honest—parenthood is not a business venture, and children should not be viewed as an insurance policy. The decision to bring a child into the world should be driven by a desire to nurture and guide another human being, not by financial expectations. While it is natural for children to support their aging parents, this should come from a place of love and gratitude rather than obligation or pressure.
That being said, parents must also be proactive in securing their own future. The best gift a parent can give their child—beyond love, education, and moral guidance—is the assurance that they will not become a financial burden to them. This means making smart financial decisions while they are still young and able to work. Investing in assets such as real estate, stocks, pension schemes, and other retirement plans is crucial. Parents must plan ahead for their medical needs, housing, and general well-being in their old age. Financial independence in later years is not a luxury—it is a necessity.
The hard truth is that many parents place unrealistic expectations on their children. Some expect their children to build them houses, buy them luxury cars, and fund an extravagant lifestyle that they themselves could not afford during their prime years. While it is wonderful for children to care for their parents, these expectations can become a heavy burden, pushing young people into desperate and sometimes unethical means of making money.
In Nigeria, for instance, the pressure to meet parental financial demands has led some young people to engage in cyber fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo,” and other illegal activities. Others have turned to prostitution or get-rich-quick schemes just to satisfy societal expectations and gain parental approval. Alarmingly, some parents even celebrate their children’s sudden wealth without questioning its source. This moral crisis is fueled, in part, by the undue pressure placed on children to serve as their parents’ financial safety net.
Parents, let’s take a step back and be realistic. It is unfair to burden your children with the responsibility of securing your financial future. They are not your retirement plan. Instead of depending on them for survival, take charge of your own financial well-being. Build a foundation that allows you to age with dignity and peace of mind.
At the same time, raise your children to be independent, responsible, and morally upright. Teach them financial discipline, encourage them to work hard, and give them the freedom to succeed on their own terms without undue pressure. When parents are financially stable and children are raised without unnecessary expectations, everyone benefits. Families become stronger, and society thrives.
So, let’s change the mindset—children are blessings, not financial security plans. Plan wisely, parent responsibly, and let the next generation flourish without the weight of unrealistic expectations.
This is my Sunday Sermon from my holy pulpit
Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.