We learn much from our parents – and while the lessons aren’t always explicit, and not always attended, this week readers shared a little about the source of those lessons.
First, we asked about finance – and a plurality (36%) of this week’s respondents said they learned most about finance from their dad. Mom got credit from one in five, while both Mom and Dad were cited by 21%, with the rest indicating that education came from another source.
Finance ‘Says’
“Mom and Dad came from nothing and built an incredibly successful business. Hard work, prudent decisions with the family always in mind has guided their success. Dad was big picture, but Mom lead the charge with how to maintain a business, household, etc.,” recalled one reader. “They taught more by example than with words,” explained one reader. “I got a checkbook when I was 9. I learned to balance it immediately. I still balance it today.”
“Started at a very young age,” remembered one reader. “Received an allowance for chores. put money in both a saving and spending envelope. would get taxed too. I quickly became a Republican.”
“The only time they got into a fight was regarding money. I knew that I wanted a spouse that was confident in their finances,” noted another.
Speaking of relationships, there’s plenty to be learned there. While Mom got credit (29%) much more than Dad (7%), most of this counsel (36%) came from completely different sources (in fairness, 28% said they learned from both Mom and Dad). “The school of hard knocks taught me,” explained one reader.
With another, “Dad was C-Suite Corporate America for 30+ years. Relationships, networking, never burning bridges, always being available, etc. were all wonderful attributes that continue to groom me through my career.”
One reader differentiated: “Mom – personal relationships, father – business relationships.”
Speaking of work, here Mom and Dad were the clear standouts – a whopping 71% of this week’s respondents credited both parents. Dad and “neither Mom nor Dad” split the remaining 29% of the responses.
“My parents led by example. Work first, play second. Work hard.”
“Dad, big picture work ethic. Always being present, available and doing everything in life at the highest level. Mom was specific to situations, counselor, with always the right state of mind to guide me,” recalled one reader. For another, “My father was an over-the-road truck driver with a high school education. My mom basically raised three kids by herself. Both worked very hard lives.”
“Learned work ethic from my father,” explained one. “I realized my mother’s role in the household was harder once I got married and had kids.”
As for perhaps the biggest life lesson – life itself – here again Mom and Dad paired most often – nearly two-thirds of respondents cited that combination, with Mom, Dad and somebody else dividing (equally) the remaining responses. One in the Dad category noted, “He'll teach me until the day I die... and probably after too.” Another explained: “All of the above and none of the above.”
For nearly 80% of this week’s respondents, those lessons were taught both explicitly and implicitly, another 15% benefited from implicit/by example lessons, and the rest – well, they apparently relied on “genetics.”
Other Comments
“Parental guidance is the keystone of a successful career. While many in the working world have reached the peak of success without parental guidance or a tough life situation, parental guidance is such a great supplement to help individuals achieve success, mentor others and learn from mistakes. Broad statement – Even if not through biological parents, I am sure there are ‘parental figures’/mentors/leaders at some point in an individual’s life to help reach success.”
“Talk early and continue the conversation,” advised one reader. “Don't talk down, but have your child be an equal in the conversation.”
“My parents showed me the key ingredients for life success: (1) work ethic; (2) integrity; (3) treat people right.”
Thanks to everyone who participated in our weekly NAPA-Net Reader Poll! And an extra special Father’s Day wish for the Dads out there!
