General / Off-Topic Life Lessons from Fathers to Sons (and Daughters)

[Ian Skippy]

If it helps it does get a lot better when they hit the real world for themselves and come back seeking your advice.

Ha, I still remember the first time I got a bill, checked my wallet and noticed a distinct discrepancy. Kinda conflicted with my notion that parents just fixed stuff with money that happened to magically exist.

 

[lysan]

Ha, I still remember the first time I got a bill, checked my wallet and noticed a distinct discrepancy. Kinda conflicted with my notion that parents just fixed stuff with money that happened to magically exist.

That's because parents got a money tree out in their gardens......

However, I always tell my now old kids (in their twenties) only trust in yourself, be independent, get a job, learn to protect yourself, don't get loans, and so on.

However you need to train them from when they are toddlers or they will end up like these....

Spoiler

 

[Avago Earo]

I haven't got children. Maybe I'm unqualified to comment. I was once a child, and I have a good memory (long term, at least ). So my advice to teenagers would be this:

Listen, but don't let anyone tell you what to think.
Imagine walking in someone else's shoes.
If you don't know what you want to 'be', take your time to find out. If you do; get on with it.
Never think it's too late.
Use your strengths and be aware of your weaknesses: Therein lies society.
Don't take too long to chat someone up, and keep some protection handy if you get lucky.
Success Is what you think it is, not what you think other's think it is.

 

[[VR] optimal_909]

I've listened to an interview recently, and the wealthy investor (who was interviewed) said he teaches their kids about financial-awareness by (among others) paying interest for non-retrieved pocket money. I think this is a great approach.

 

[Globusdiablo]

I haven't got children. Maybe I'm unqualified to comment. I was once a child, and I have a good memory (long term, at least ). So my advice to teenagers would be this:

Listen, but don't let anyone tell you what to think.
Imagine walking in someone else's shoes.
If you don't know what you want to 'be', take your time to find out. If you do; get on with it.
Never think it's too late.
Use your strengths and be aware of your weaknesses: Therein lies society.
Don't take too long to chat someone up, and keep some protection handy if you get lucky.
Success Is what you think it is, not what you think other's think it is.

You definitely qualify.

 

[Avago Earo]

You definitely qualify.

It's what I'd tell my younger self. I'd also probably add:

Being different is what brought us Einstein and Rock 'n' Roll, so don't feel ashamed if you don't quite 'fit in'. Put the drink and drugs down and sleep on it.

 

[Avago Earo]

Wise words! I've secretly always suspected I am kinda slow with moving through the 'stages'. I've only recently gotten my drivers license (!) and I much prefer my girl having her own place over living together. Right now I feel the need to be able to invite friends, drink and make music at 3:00AM whenever I feel like it. Which is probably more appropriate for someone ten years younger than me. We'll see how it goes, I wouldnt be surprised if ten years from now my life will look completely unlike anything I want now, and I'll be happy with it regardles of what it turns out to be.

I'm 48 and in exactly the same position. Exactly. Only started riding a motorbike five years ago. Still no car licence. My last girlfriend did lean the bass guitar and joined in with the jam sessions. But we kept our separate homes.

What's appropriate to you, is appropriate.