Walmart Inc. has been at the top of the global Fortune 500 for two years in a row, and they make a lot of money every day. The Walton family, who own Walmart, are one of the richest families in the world. But did you know that the company's founder, Sam Walton, was very wealthy, but he lived a simple life and emphasized "thrift" in the education of his children, which was in stark contrast to his vast wealth.
At Walton's home, the children are not dependent on their parents' pocket money, they earn their own money. When the children were a little older, they began to help their father with the work in the store, such as mopping floors, mending roofs, and even helping to unload goods at night. Walton paid them exactly the same wages as he paid his workers. The eldest son, Robson, got his driver's license as soon as he became an adult, and he also helped deliver goods to various retail outlets at night. He told us that his father asked them to buy shares in the company with the money they earned. When the business of the store is getting better and better, their small investment has also become a lot of capital. By the time he graduated from college, Robson had been able to buy a house with his own money and luxurious furnishings.
In fact, not only in Walton's family, but also in many families in developed countries. Jews, for example, raise their children to do household chores to earn pocket money, and they are also taught how to manage that money. In China, we often hear words like "self-reliance" and "hard work", but it is often difficult for parents to do so. Now, many Chinese parents will meet their children's financial needs, regardless of whether the family is wealthy or not.
Some families even borrow money to meet their children's needs, so that they can develop the habit of comparison. Children have to take a car not far away, and some primary and secondary school students even hire people to help with their duties and homework. When these children grow up, it is often difficult for them to gain a foothold in society. So, parents really need to change the way they give their children pocket money.
My advice for young parents
Method 1: Teach boys to understand the relationship between money and labor
When boys grow up, they develop a strong interest in money, and they want to own and spend their money freely. This is natural, but parents need to teach them the relationship between money and labor.
When a boy reaches the age of about 5, his parents should tell him that labor is the way to create material wealth, and that everything we enjoy is the result of people's hard work. When he grows up, he is also obliged to participate in labor.
In this way, the child will gradually understand that it is reasonable for him to be paid for his labor. Allowing him to do something for a fee can also help him understand the value of money, learn to save, and appreciate the hard work of his parents.
Method 2: Guide the boy to do the housework correctly
Some parents will let the boy earn pocket money by doing household chores, such as washing dishes, sweeping the floor, feeding the dog, etc. This is indeed a good way because children can understand the relationship between money and labor more concretely, and learn to cherish money.
But also be aware that if the child accidentally breaks the plate, parents can let him compensate with extra labor, but be sure to guide him to understand that this is so that he can learn to cherish and be responsible, and not simply associate labor with money.
Method 3: Misunderstandings that parents should avoid
Some parents give money as long as their children do chores, which can make their children become too materialistic. Housework is not only a way to make money, but also a good way to cultivate children's self-confidence and love of work.
Also, don't use money as a reward for academic performance. This may make children feel that learning is all about money, and lose sight of the true meaning of learning.
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