How Do You Motivate a Kid Who Has it All?
My husband and I are wealthy. Our kids don’t need to ever work in their lifetimes. While our older children are interested in many things, we are alarmed at one of our son’s lack of interest in pursuing any major purpose. Any thoughts?
You raise an interesting dilemma: you have provided for your sons and daughters in a way that they won’t need to ever make a living and, on the other end, you have somewhat taken away their hunger, that drive to achieve beyond their needs. Many kids in the younger generations have been brought up in affluence with the “I want, I get” mentality. What to do?
You may first want to stop telling your kids that you will always provide for them. This message will translate into low grades and low interest unless your kids can motivate themselves. You may tell them, instead, that even though your wealth is solid, the current economic situation affects everyone worldwide, particularly when companies that you do business with you may be experiencing lay-offs, downsizing or they may be closing down. Understanding the greater picture may enable them to think broadly and come up with ideas and opportunities that will help everyone around and themselves. You may tell them you will be fine but that this may be a good time for them to focus on activities and projects that they either love to do or that they are really good at that will provide value. Most wealthy heirs who have continued to build their family’s worth had well-defined responsibilities and expectations to perform: they were asked to work hard from an early age and set the example. Parents with a strong work ethic usually encourage their kids to do the same. Praise your children for their achievements and see what happens. If they have no interest in going with you to business-related meetings, encourage them to pursue a college degree that aligns with their interests.
Food for Thought: What do you do to encourage your kids to succeed? Do you ever ask them to do things that they don’t want to do or that they aren’t good at doing? Do you know what they love to do? Do you know what they are truly good at doing? Is your teenager self-motivated or do you find yourself constantly “telling” him or her what to do?
