I think the key takeaway from Matt’s was “BOTH PARENTS “ I’m almost 65 both my parents worked and we turned out pretty good

I think the key takeaway from Matt’s was “BOTH PARENTS “ I’m almost 65 both my parents worked and we turned out pretty good

There are issues in the world. You also don't have to look very far to find respectful, God fearing, hard working kids that love their families and God.

That's not as fun to talk about, though.

100% truth Matt. My wife was also a business professional, and quickly climbing the corporate ladder, when we decided to have children after being married for 6 yrs. When we did, we also decided at that time, that she would be a stay at home mom and raise our children while I worked. Huge financial sacrifice because she too was making almost six figures back in the late 90s. Granted I've done well so while we certainly were not poor or struggling, it was still a big sacrifice to knowingly and intentionally lose her income, but we decided that some things, namely raising our children right and in a stable Christian home, and the non-monetary rewards that come from it, were worth way more than money. Twenty years later, once they all got through high school and into college, the wife has gone back to work. As a result of our family decisions, we'll both work, for probably another 7-10 years, whereas had we both been working the entire time, we'd easily be in a position to very comfortably retire and just enjoy life, right now, rather than having to wait until we are in our early 60s. Like I said above, it is about priorities and where you place them. If you're going to let someone else babysit, raise, train, educate, develop, discipline, and indoctrinate your children with, and according to their thoughts and beliefs, just so that you can drive a new truck, go on expensive vacations, have an $80k bass boat and $20k SXS, just to keep up with the FB showoffs and neighbors down the street financially, you might need to re-evaluate your priorities. Raising children with a strong Christian foundation and a strong work ethic, into hard working, highly functioning, successful adults, is one of the greatest privileges and gifts that the Lord grants us. There are exceptions to the rule and sometimes both parents have to work to put food on the table, but in general, society and the devil has and continues to push to destroy the traditional nuclear family life, as the Lord designed and intended it to be.

I see a lot of young parents that either have kids before getting married or start spitting them out as soon as the vows are spoken. Not saying there is anything wrong with that but, I do think it ads additional obstacles when supporting and raising kids. My wife and I, very similar to ABOLT300, were married for 7 years prior to having a child. We had had a lot of fun and grew out of our personal kid stage where we wanted to go and do all the time, spend like crazy, vacation, etc. after being married for 2-3 years. Then during the next 4 years prior to our son being born, we were able to "establish" ourselves so to speak, financially with savings, etc. When our son was born, my wife left her professional career for 5 years and stayed home until he started school. 27 yrs ago schools were a little different but, they had already stopped paddling's, etc. My wife and I have always worked, she's a medical professional and I spent many years in a sales/consulting position for a very large corp and then at 50 decided to buy a business and go the self employed route. From the time my son was born, we have strived to be the "Jones's" Not keep up with them. We work very hard and have been blessed to be able to have Land, Nice Homes in good school zones, New Vehicles, $80k Bass Boats, Pontoons, Lake Houses, and take nice vacations. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of that. I don't say that to brag but I won't ever apologize for it either.

The difference in my situation and a lot of the folks that are mentioned in a lot of post like these, is that when I bought an $80k boat, I took my kid fishing, not my buddy. While we were fishing we discussed life, school, and what it took to be blessed with the ability to have a nice rig like that., HARD WORK. When we took nice vacations, there was always a family discussion about how we saved up to be able to take the nice vacation and not put it on a CC. When we bought a nice house or vehicle that was financed, there was always talk about maintaining good credit and how a good banking relationship is worth a lot. When we bought a $20k SXS We went as a family. I see guys that buy these things and then spend every weekend at the ride park with their buddies and their kids are home with momma or at grandma's house.. Many folks hide their finances from their children. When mine was old enough to understand finances, he new how much money his mother and I made and what it cost to maintain the lifestyle we were used too. If kids see the toys, they will want the toys, I think it worked. He is well rounded, a fine husband, a GREAT father, and provider. Has a beautiful home and is fairly financially sound at 28 yrs old.

I said all of that the to emphasize the need to parent. It all starts at home..