Tag: parenting

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Matthew 7:15-20

I remembered this passage while I was at a birthday party: how would these kids turn out in 20 years? How will my children conduct themselves when they’re older? Am I setting them up to fail with how I conduct myself now?

How much are you willing to pay to acquire something? Furthermore, once you’ve acquired it, was it worth the price you paid?

From Financial Advice for My New Daughter:

The price of a busy career is time away from friends and family. The price of long-term market returns is uncertainty and volatility. The price of spoiling kids is their sheltered life. Everything worthwhile has a price, and most of those prices are hidden. They’re are often worth paying, but never ignore that they are true costs. When you accept this you’ll view things like time, relationships, autonomy, and creativity as currencies that are as valuable as cash.

Starting from knowing what to avoid (e.g., absentee parent, debt burden, bad health, etc.), I would have to play my remaining years by not brute-forcing through life. I believe there’s a sweet spot (if I’m not already on it) between growing a family and having a fulfilling career; I just have to play in such a way that it does not lean toward a maximal outcome for only one side. I hope that makes sense.