Parents....If you could give one gift to your

**Jaded** · 11-05-2007, 10:32 PM

children, regardless of cost, what would it be?

I think I would give them a house, because then they could not worry so much about money, and have more time to enjoy their lives. It would be something that would increase in value, and something they could have pride in. Everyone needs a home.

**bluebird728** · 11-05-2007, 10:53 PM

A college education

**McD** · 11-05-2007, 10:59 PM

I would pay for their education--whatever they choose for whatever reasons. Such a huge burden would be lifted by not having that large expense to deal with and they would walk away with the tools to secure their future.

I wouldn't purchase a home for them, only because of the pride that I felt by purchasing my own home. I want my kids to have that goal to work towards and to feel pride at. That' just me though.

This was a really good thread Jaded--makes you think.

**Neeley** · 11-05-2007, 11:10 PM

College education - no doubt

We are paying for both kids' college educations. That was decided before they were even born.

**cab54** · 11-06-2007, 07:30 AM

Yep--definitely a college education.

Actually we were picky about their whole education from the ground up.

Now my oldest ds is in grad school and my younger ds is a senior in college. We started a college fund for them when they were preschoolers.

dh and I had to put ourselves through school. We decided that a quality education for our sons would be paramount to everything else. Then they have a great start.

**Jskell911** · 11-06-2007, 07:36 AM

I'm with those that say college education. As someone who is still paying for it, with no degree, I would definately want to remove this burden.

**smk0817** · 11-06-2007, 08:55 AM

I'd pay for their health insurance and any co-pays, non-coverages for life...for them and their immediate families. These days it doesn't matter if you have a college education or not. Everyone is suffering from the health care crisis in our nation.

**jamie79** · 11-06-2007, 09:34 AM

Education. dh and I never made enough money or were smart enough with the money we did make to give them an education fund. What we have done is stressed the importance of an education, which neither one of us had,. Ods is in his first yr of college, paid for by scholarships, a small loan, some money from him working and some from us. We will start applying for more scholarships soon. When he graduated h.s last yr he was 8th in his class with a GPA of 3.969. Yds is a sophmore and the same thing. Right now hes 10th in his class with a GPA of 3.952. I wish I could pay for their education but they will get one one way or another.That will last them a lifetime

**Holly** · 11-06-2007, 09:59 AM

A Hunting Lodge and 500 acres in Montana. Thats his dream when he's older.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 11-06-2007, 10:29 AM

A love of the simple things in life. To find Joy in being with friends and family. To see each day as the great gift that it is. No matter where you are or what your doing. To take pride in your job weather its washing floors or being the CEO of a large company.
Just to be happy in life.

Laurie in Bradenton

**Cricket1** · 11-06-2007, 11:15 AM

One thing that costs: education

One thing that doesn't: compassion

**Jaded** · 11-06-2007, 10:41 PM

Let me explain why I said a house. My kids are both doing what they love. One chose to go to college, one didn't, but both are happy and gainfully employed. I'd just love to see them have a roof over their head no matter where their paths may lead them.

**redhead68** · 11-06-2007, 10:56 PM

A college education. No doubt about it.

**warramra** · 11-06-2007, 11:14 PM

(1)The freedom to make the choice and be able to follow whatever dream they have for their own future. If they want to go to college - to pay for that. But, if their dream is something else entirely - to give them the freedom to find that. The happiest and most successful people I know are ones that bucked the system and followed their passions.
(2) Compassion, Empathy and the ability to see the "Big" picture

**cab54** · 11-07-2007, 08:36 AM

Jaded, I don't think you have to explain! I think you're idea for your kids was great! Everyone's kids are in a different stage or place in their lives right now. And we are all looking at it from the angle our own lives have given us to look at it.

My problem is --now that we've paid for their college ed. --we HAVE no money to buy them houses!

But, I'm sure if they need help with down payments and such, and if we have it, we'll try to help. Better than having them move back home! I've gotten too used to the quiet! LOL!

By the way, I've been enjoying your question threads lately. Makes us all wake up and think.