Raising Wise Kids: The Importance of Looking Beneath the Surface

If there’s one thing I want my children to know, it’s this: take the time to think things through and don’t rush into trusting or believing everything at face value. Life presents us with opportunities that look great on the surface, but not everything is as it seems. I’ve learned that it’s important to do your research, not just for business decisions but in life as well.

Build your strategy, look beyond the immediate appeal, and ask the tough questions. What are the possible problems? What could go wrong? Taking the time to see the whole picture doesn’t mean you’re not optimistic—you’re prepared and resilient. This careful planning isn’t about avoiding risks; it’s about knowing when a risk is worth taking and when it’s best to walk away.

So, to my children: be thoughtful, be cautious, and always balance your hope with wisdom. This way, you won’t just chase dreams—you’ll catch them. And you’ll do so with a strong foundation that lets you handle whatever comes next because you’ve considered the journey, not just the destination.

I’d tell them honestly, with a story from my own life. Something like, “You know, there was a time when I jumped in without seeing the full picture. I was drawn to the excitement and didn’t think twice about what could go wrong. I thought I had it all figured out, but I learned the hard way that I didn’t.”

I’d explain that looking back, I realize that I needed to stop, think, and look closer at the details I missed—especially the challenges I didn’t expect. I’d tell them how I learned that trusting too quickly, or focusing only on the reward, can lead to regret.

The best thing I can pass on is this lesson: Don’t rush. Take your time to understand not only the upside but also the risks. You’ll feel more confident and prepared for whatever comes next. If my experience can save them a few of those tough lessons, that honesty is worth it.

 

Azad Jasmi, Perlis

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