Parents naturally desire the best for their children. There is nothing wrong with rewarding a son or daughter for hard work, academic excellence, or good conduct. Indeed, parental generosity is one of the noblest expressions of love.
However, society must be concerned when gifts cease to be acts of affection and become public spectacles designed to attract attention, provoke envy, or advertise wealth. A teenager who receives luxury cars, extravagant parties, or excessive cash rewards may unintentionally be taught that status is measured by possessions rather than character, discipline, and achievement.
The solution is not necessarily punitive taxation alone. Rather, it requires a national conversation on values. Parents, schools, religious bodies, and community leaders must emphasise humility, moderation, and responsible stewardship of wealth.
Three measures may help:
- Promote modesty in celebrations. Let achievements be celebrated without unnecessary extravagance.
- Encourage financial responsibility. Valuable gifts should be accompanied by lessons on work, savings, and accountability.
- Discourage ostentatious display. Wealth should inspire service, not competition.
As the old proverb reminds us: “The child who inherits a mansion without inheriting wisdom may soon lose both.”
A society is strengthened not by the size of gifts bestowed upon its youth, but by the quality of values instilled in them.
Story: Col Augustine Ansu Rtd
