By Edwin Ngwane

A good man leave’s an inheritance to his children’s children (Proverbs 13:22).

There are so many people who die and leave nothing for their children. Nothing for the children to look at. Not even a good name.

As if that is not enough, the parent even leaves more problems for his children. What kind of life is that?

In many African countries, children are like investment policies. The more you have, the better. First born children are even taught to be responsible so they can keep their siblings.

You find that by the time the first born starts working, she/he has a huge family to look after.

First, I need to point out to all of the parents out there that it is not Biblical. Secondly, it is very unfair for you to pass to your children a burden you have failed to carry yourself. Thirdly, it is unwise and you will now pass that same kind of life and mentality to your children.

Many African children suffer and fail to make it in life not because they are irresponsible or dull but because they tend to take up a lot of their parents’ responsibility way before they even learn how to live their lives.

African children are the hope of their parents and family. But this has to stop now.

Let me give you an example; Mary the first born of Mr. Banda graduates with a diploma from College under a bursary scheme because her parents are poor. She then gets a job that pays her a net of US$340.

And since she is the hope of her family she brings in her two siblings and educate them up to College as well. Her house rentals are US$120, Necessitates for US$130, her parents needs a US$50 and she is left with a US$40 for siblings education and well being.

When will she build her own life? When will she start saving for her children? She also has a duty to leave an inheritance for her children’s children.

Truth be told. This girl will struggle to improve her education. It’s going to be very tough for her. She just needs to PRAY FOR A GOOD HUSBAND, to help her with education, parents and siblings.

But marriage is should never be a survival scheme. Nevertheless, Mary can only hope and pray. That’s what she will be told. HOPE AND PRAY. But God said her parents should have left for her an inheritance!

Not hoping for a husband, government or well-wishers to come to her aid.
In her situation, she must leave an inheritance for her parents and siblings. Wow! No wonder we are struggling with poverty in Africa. Things got to change.

Let me show you why leaving an inheritance or why giving a good foundation is good for children.

1. Your Actions Today Can Change Your Family History

Have you ever thought about how your actions today can change your family history? Let me be more direct. The mismanagement of money could impact some of the financial struggles your child may or may not face in the future.

Most people were not brought up under sound money management instruction and guidance within the family. Unfortunately, education within our school systems and even in our immediate family was and is in many cases, still absent.

Today is an opportunity to change that for your children and their children. By leaving an inheritance, they have an opportunity to start their lives in a more financially stable position.

You can position your children to succeed even when they are not so smart.

2. Help Your Children To Avoid Survival Debt

I think about debt every time I see newly weds with so much debt because of the wedding. There are also young people who have debt due to sacrifices they make to educate their siblings. Young people are in debt because they have to do everything for themselves.

Many young people nowadays fund their wedding ceremonies. But if you read the wedding invitation card, it says the parents of the child are inviting Mr. and Mrs. to the wedding of their beloved son or daughter.

This can show you that parents are actually supposed to help their children with wedding expenses. Otherwise, the young ones will go into debt.

Survival debt will enslave your children and your children’s children. Help them to start their lives.

3. Bless your Children And Let Them Inherit a Good Name

“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” – Proverbs 20:7

One of the best things you can do for your children if you have nothing materially to leave for them, are blessings and a good name. This should never be difficult for parents to give their children. Bless your children.

You have given them a big task which needs your blessings for them to succeed.

Make it easy for your children get favor in the eyes of God because of you. The bible says a righteous man’s children can never ask for bread or beg for food.

They will receive favor in God’s eyes and among the people. Your personality can be a foundation for the success of your children.

It is therefore important to bless your children and also leaving a good name to inherit.

4. Building Momentum For Your Children

Instead of your children digging, scraping and clawing their way to getting out of debt and building an emergency fund, they could skip some of the hard steps and go right into wealth building.

That’s right, have you ever considered the importance of this? For many of us, we’re working hard to take steps to move forward on our respective journeys. Hard work is important.

But if all the hard work is spent on doing what parents should have done, then that is too much burden for the children.

Give your children a good start in life. Give them a great foundation to build from where you left.

Imagine your life without the help GOD. Since parents are earthly gods, imagine life without their support.

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Edwin Ngwane is a Banker, Motivational Speaker & Entrepreneur.