MAM
Guest Column: Kids – the new-age teachers
I am surrounded by friends who as parents are consciously checking their behavior in the presence of their children—they are either mindful of their conversation or check the way they conduct themselves generally. As parents, it is their duty to inculcate the right habits in their children, and the best way, indisputably, is by example. As someone who does not have children, and therefore first-hand knowledge of parenthood, I naturally endorse the belief that it is only the parent who is the teacher.
This perception changed considerably through my interactions and observations with different children, as I realized that while we as adults are responsible to teach the right values, ethics, behavior, etc to our offspring, there is so much that we ourselves can learn from our children. In my close proximity to children, I have been fortunate to have observed the following three main Aspects which have made me stop and think.
Financial planning: As complicated as the term might sound and you will be amazed to see kids effectively putting this into practice. I noticed the kids carefully count their money and safely keeping their hard-earned stash away. When I spoke to few of them, I realized that these kids were confident of exactly what their priority was, how much money they could earn by doing that particular activity and finally how much they would need to save to pick up a merchandise of their choice. It would appear that the term ‘impulsive shopper’ does not apply to the little ones
Curiosity: If you are a parent inundated by the variety of questions your little explorers ask, irrespective of whether or not you know the answers, you might agree with me regarding their unending curiosity and yearning to learn and grow. It is amazing how seriously these kids take their roles. Recently I noticed a seven year-old playing the role of a police officer, asking a numerous pertinent questions which would help him solve ‘the case’. Another little girl working as a chef, was curious to know why salt is always the last ingredient added during the cooking process. A confident child does not have a problem in asking questions, no matter how numerous or inane; it is a well-known fact that without questioning one cannot learn and progress. And so often, it is a child’s question that hits home and makes the adult stop and think, and makes him open his eyes to take a look from a different angle, and not take things for granted.
Being social: It is nearly impossible for many adults, especially introverts, to start a conversation with strangers in a new place. The fear of one’s ego of being judged makes a person tend to rehearse the scene multiple times in one’s head before approaching a group of strangers to strike up a conversation.
Remember the first day at your new job wondering who your co-workers will be, will you be accepted, etc. As children tend not to have ego problems, they work very well in groups. Just give them a task and a bunch of four- to 14-year-olds will display tremendous teamwork! And most importantly, as children are innocent and unaware by the ugliness of the world, it comes automatically to them to treat other kids as equals. So parents, be open and willing to experience and encompass your children’s bold ideas, their creativity, their zest for knowledge, their ability to dream big. It will be an enriching and rewarding experience. Spend some quality time with your children before these unique teachers with a constant never-ending supply of fresh intakes on life and situations, grow up to ‘retire’ into adulthood.
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This article has been contributed by KidZania India CMO Viraj Jit Singh. Views expressed here are of the writer’s, and Indiantelevision.com may not subscribe to them. |
When people talk about growing money, they often jump straight to investments and overlook something closer to home, i.e., the savings account. While it might appear simple, the savings account interest rate plays a quiet but essential role in how your money grows over time.
It rewards you just for keeping your money parked safely. Many ignore it because the growth feels slow, but consistency changes the story. Understanding how this interest functions can help you make prudent everyday money decisions.
1. Interest turns idle money into working money
Money sitting in a savings account does not stay still; it earns interest. The savings account interest rate determines how much your balance grows without any extra effort from you.
Even though the returns may seem modest, this growth happens automatically.
Over time, especially with a steady balance, interest ensures your money is at least doing something instead of waiting quietly.
2. Higher interest rates reward disciplined saving
A better savings account interest rate encourages you to keep more money in your account. When you know your balance is earning consistently, you are less tempted to withdraw unnecessarily.
This creates a positive cycle: more savings lead to more interest, and more interest motivates better saving habits. Discipline, not size, becomes the actual growth driver here.
3. Compounding quietly boosts long-term value
Interest is not always paid just on your original deposit, it often compounds. That means you earn interest on the interest already credited to your savings account.
Over months and years, this compounding effect adds up. While it may not feel dramatic in the short term, it steadily increases your total balance without any extra contribution from you.
4. Interest helps protect money against inflation
While a savings account is not meant to beat inflation aggressively, the savings account interest rate helps lower the impact of rising prices.
Without interest, your money loses value over time. With it, at least a part of that loss is offset. This makes a savings account a safer place for short-term goals and your emergency funds.
5. Interest supports financial flexibility
Interest earned in your savings account adds to your available funds without locking your money away. Unlike investments, you do not have to wait or fret about timing.
This flexibility means your money grows while staying accessible, ideal for planned expenses, emergencies, or opportunities that need quick access to cash.
Ending note
Growing money does not always need bold moves; sometimes it needs smart placement. The savings account interest rate may work quietly, but its impact is steady and reliable. When you respect its role and use your savings account intentionally, you create a strong financial base, one where your money grows patiently, safely, and always within reach.
Over time, this steady growth builds confidence, supports better financial decisions, and prepares you for future investments without pressure or unnecessary risk, making every day saving feel purposeful and rewarding.
