Adapted from the talk of the same title, you can get the talk here.

Written by: Khadeeja Emad

In today’s era, our primary objective as parents is to teach our children ‘How to Earn’.
The first concept that derives from this phrase is regarding earning money and becoming
wealthy. Earning money is not an adverse concept, however, it shouldn’t be treated as an ultimate
goal of life. Our main objective should be to teach our children to EARN, not just money but
also other valuable assets that will guarantee their success. 

Teach them to earn value!
Teach your children to earn value, from others, from their elders and their peers. A person’s
value is determined by his behaviour, his priorities, his accountability. There are four major
elements that you must teach your children consciously if you wish for them to be well-respected
in society and have a positive reputation. 

Honesty
Teach them Honesty. Honesty is the vital key to success. Honesty opens doors to opportunities
for them and builds a good reputation. Teach them to own up to their mistakes and take
responsibility for their flaws. It leads to long-term success. Habits, especially relating to being
truthful are developed at an early stage. Therefore it is essential to practice this habit from a very
young age. Educate them about the benefits of being an honest, truthful person. Tell them it is
appreciated in our religion. Honesty is the foundation of one’s character. If a person isn’t honest,
they are more likely to have doubtful characteristics and a disproportional personality which
eventually causes a negative effect later in life.

Respect
Teach your children to give respect to others regardless of their age, status and persona. Respect
is an element that can only be earned through giving. You give respect to the people you are
surrounded by, you receive it yourself. Respect isn’t something that can be earned by imposing
on others. 
Respect is similar to a full circle, if you’re sincere and honest in your respect, you will receive it
thereby. But, you must also teach your children that if they do not receive the form of respect
they have given forward, it should not hinder their acts of humbleness. None of our good deeds
goes in vain. we may not get the positive consequences immediately, but they will grant you
reward both in this life and the hereafter. 

Fulfilling Commitments
Fulfilling one’s commitment is a vital practice that must be taught from a young age. Teach your
children to stay true to their word and to fulfil their promises and commitments. Commitment
fulfilment also aids to a well-suited reputation and pleasant characteristics. It is very beneficial in
order to train them to effectively manage their time. 

Gratitude and Correct Goals
Our mindsets are somehow conditioned to have objective goals of achieving materialistic and
tangible things. This creates two major problems that damage our children and compassion
between the family relations. When a child is not able to attain the 6 figure salary or admission to
a top-class university, he/she loses the purpose they were raised for, conclusively forcing them
into depression and an ungrateful attitude towards parents, God, and even themselves. 
A common issue that most parents complain about to us in counselling sessions is the ungrateful
and arrogant attitude of children towards them. Children are treating their parents’ efforts and
sacrifices insignificantly, assuming that it is their right to be given all the privileges. 
We need to teach our children that parents’ struggle is solely for their children’s development and
to build a better future for them. 

Conclusively, attaining an education from a specific university/institution does not guarantee
prosperity or success.
If there’s anything that can possibly guarantee you success is duas. And to earn duas, you need to
provide unconditional services. Do not expect anything in return for your services, kindness will
always find its way back to you. Have the courage to stand for the truth and develop the
fundamental habits and practices in your children, that truly guarantee them success both in this
life and the hereafter.
Teach your children not to only earn, but to earn things that contribute to their development and
success!