It hurts to read this.
Stories like these remind me how important it is for parents to give their children the freedom to say: “I want to pursue my passion.”
As parents, we all wish we could tell our children:
“Go — pursue your passion!”
But let’s be honest — passion alone cannot sustain a life. Freedom to follow dreams must be supported by preparation and protection. And that responsibility rests with us, the parents.
Acknowledging Our Role as Parents
There are three truths we must face:
- Our children did not choose to be here. We brought them into this world, and they had no say in it. The least we can do is avoid clipping their wings.
- We owe them a better life. Beyond providing food and shelter, we must offer them a foundation strong enough for them to explore their own path.
- We must equip them with tools for survival. Dreams flourish when children know they are secure — emotionally, physically, and financially.
Practical Ways to Prepare
- Insurance Coverage
Even at an infant stage, parents should consider life insurance, hospitalisation, and critical illness coverage. Too often, we assume children are too young to need it. But if they were to contract a condition early, they might be disqualified from coverage for life. Securing protection early ensures that no future illness can take away their right to be insured.
- Invest Early
From the moment a child is born, time becomes their greatest asset. A custodian account with regular savings plan, buying into low-cost Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) allows them to benefit from compounding growth over decades. More importantly, a trust structure protects these assets even if parents face divorce or financial difficulties. This creates a financial base no one can take away from them.
Why This Matters
When insurance (#1) and investments (#2) are in place, our children are no longer vulnerable. They can afford to dream bigger, take risks, and explore passions without the constant fear of financial insecurity. As parents, our role is not only to nurture their talents but also to build the safety nets that allow them to fly.
Final Thought
Passion should never be a privilege reserved for the lucky few. It should be something every child can pursue — confidently and fearlessly — because their parents prepared the ground beneath their feet.
The best gift we can give our children is not just love, but the freedom to live life on their own terms.
Mortgage Advisory – Jenn Li
Looking to restructure your mortgage?
Jenn Li offers personalised advice on mortgage financing, with a clear focus on helping midlifers build financial security.
📍Based in Singapore.
📧 Mortgage advice: jennlee@evolution-gen.sg
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