Retirement plan

THERE are many interesting things about being in a foreign country. You get to see all the amazing tourist spots and try the delicious food.

Another thing I find interesting, however, is that you are also able to observe the cultures of the people. Since I work in a school (in Spain) I am able to see how the children are being treated by their parents.

I noticed that here, children are allowed to develop their skills and talents. They are given every opportunity to grow and be happy. If they show an interest in a sport, they are allowed to join a team. If they have skill in art or music they are given lessons.

It is the same for every sibling in every family. This is something that is rare in the Philippines. If a child is given these opportunities it is usually those who don’t have siblings or those who don’t have to bear the responsibility of the “breadwinner” in the future.

Some people blame it on the fact that the Philippines is a developing country and most people don’t have the means to provide these “luxuries” to their children. As long as they get fed three times a day they are fine, right?

You can’t deny that fact is true. But I also think it’s because of the mindset parents have about their children. Most of them are viewed as a retirement plan – a source of income when their parents are retired; those who will take over the responsibility of paying for the bills or sending their younger siblings to school.

Abroad, children are viewed as individuals who are free to choose what they do in life. Their career is whatever career they desire and they are supported by their parents.

Back home (Philippines), if you proceed with anything na hindi magkapera, you are ridiculed and discouraged.

It’s good to see that this is slowly changing though. I have some friends whose parents are supportive of whatever path they choose to walk. However, there are still those who are being steered away from their dreams in order to become the money source. These people become stagnant and often fall into depression. When they express this unhappiness they are brushed off as being unreasonable or dramatic since the only problem that seems to matter are the ones about money. They then carry out this toxic mindset to their own children.

I hope any parent out there who is reading this will understand. Your children weren’t born to be a retirement plan. They are their own individuals who have the right to choose their own path.

Sometimes on that path they may not be always able to help you, but that shouldn’t be their problem. You must plan for retirement the right way, not depend on your children to pick you up./PN