Parenting with an Abundance Mindset

Today we hear a lot of people saying having kids is expensive and that's where the problem starts. It is not because of the situation or phase of life that people are in that is the problem, it is the mindset that they are living with is the problem and that percolates into our way of being and parenting.

How we view the world and talk about things becomes the children’s lens to view the world. Do we really want our children to grow up with a scarcity mindset? The feeling of lack, anxiousness and worry rather than encouraging them to dream?

The absolute amazing way to parent with an abundance mindset is to teach children to create value and become valuable. Even as entrepreneurs or professionals, only when we can create something of value, when we contribute meaningfully to the work we do, that helps people and the community in some way , are people ready to listen up and pay for it. That is how money is earned in the first place. Rather than teaching children about debt and earning money first, the focus should be helping them uncover what skills they can use. 

So how do we Parent with Abundance?

Focus on Action plans rather than avoidance

Rather than using words like we can’t do that, ask them and discuss “OK, how can we make this achievable for us?” E.g. Rather than “We can’t go for a holiday to this place as of now”, discuss and talk about how we can collectively (as couples or a family) earn more, save more, plan smartly to make it achievable in the near future.

Focus on Quality and Value

Rather than denying them something that is expensive, discuss “How can this be valuable for us?” E.g. Rather than buying cheap shoes (or anything) that will wear off quickly and the need to buy another one quite soon, rather agree on buying one good pair of shoes that are study enough to last long. Don’t enroll in a cheaper course just for its value, focus on the quality and value it can add into your lives. This is extremely important so that we are not driven by a mindset of low cost but rather high quality/value.

Build a gratitude culture

When we consciously choose to keep focusing on being thankful and grateful for the things, people and situations we are in, we shift our focus and culture from a sense of lack, pessimism and scarcity to that of abundance and joy. E.g. “We are so grateful to have Dadi tell us amazing real-life stories and multilingual songs and slokas. Rather than “ I don’t have my own iPod to listen to” and the tantrum that follows.

Empower them to create value

Rather than focus our conversations and goals like “study well, earn well, settle down”’ focus the conversations from an early age on how we can create value or be valuable for people in our homes, relationships, community or workplaces. What skills or ideas can we use to solve a problem someone is facing. When we create value for others through our skills, experience, becoming successful is a natural outcome. E.g. How can I impact their lives? How can I make this (anything) easier/ simpler/ cheaper/ accessible/ achievable/ healthier/ convenient for them? 

Talk about Service

Thinking only about yourself or just people close to you is a limiting perspective and does not allow us to be empathetic towards others needs and problems. When we parent and lead with the idea of giving and being useful, children learn to lead with a sense of service. E.g. “What’s in it for me? How will it benefit me? Empower to ask and solve “How can I help them here? What would be beneficial for all of us in this situation?”

There are other subtle yet extremely powerful benefits of parenting with an abundance of mindset. Children become better problem solvers, more empathetic, better leaders, more sought after team members and innovative entrepreneurs, tend to feel more content and joyful rather than a sense of lack, more collaborative than competitive, more secure and confident and than greedy or insecure and are driven more by dreams than fear.

They learn to dream bigger, develop a growth mindset, aspire and invest in the best rather than cut corners and think small. They lead with an abundant mindset and manifest more of that in their lives automatically and authentically.

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