Love Your Children (& Grandchildren) Like a Capitalist, NOT a Socialist

On December 22, 2024 my wife Kathy and I became grandparents for the fourth time.

It was so amazing to welcome Gibson into our family and we couldn't be happier. We now have the privilege of loving two beautiful granddaughters and two wonderful grandsons.

These latest events caused me to think on a couple of conversations I've had in recent years.

Conversation #1

A young married couple came to me to discuss their family situation. She was pregnant and they were anticipating their second child. They were obviously excited for sure, but they both looked at me kind of sheepishly, and with a little concern, asked, "This may sound weird, but we are wondering if we will be able to love our second child as much as our first."

We continued to talk as they went on about how much love they had for their child, and it was obvious to me too.

But they couldn't help but wonder, if they would be able to love their second child in the same way.

And as this conversation replayed in my mind, I wondered if my daughter & son-in-law would too.

Conversation #2

A few years ago I was attending a fundraiser, and I was sitting with a friend of mine chatting, when out of the blue, he asked the following question..."Dan, what's the difference between socialism and capitalism?"

Now, I wasn't expecting such a random question, and I'm no expert on the subject, but I did my best to offer up a basic explanation.

Part of my response included the idea that in socialism, wealth is seen to be limited...like there is a pie of money that exists and it needed to be divided or distributed...equally, or proportionally, I won't go any further here, but you get the point.

Capitalism on the other hand, does not see a limit to wealth; there is no pie, no finite amount or end. Wealth can be created and created with essentially no end or limit. It contends economic freedom and growth.

There are hundreds of differences between socialism and capitalism that I won't go into here. My point is this, and likely obvious by now.

Love your kids and your grandkids with the love of a capitalist, not a socialist.

Your love will expand and grow as your family does. There is no limit to the love that you can give to your family, or anyone else for that matter. The more kids you have, the more love you will have as well.

When I was saw Gibson for the first time, I was in love. I just loved him. But I didn't have to take any away from his brother to do it. It was just there. When Arthur walked into the hospital room and saw his brother for the first time, he leaned in and kissed him. Secure in the fact I'm sure that he wasn't going to be loved any less, because this guy just showed up. I love Arthur with all I have, Gibson too...and my two granddaughters, Millie & Blythe.

It's not like I have to take from one to give to the other. My love expands, it grows deeper, it gets stronger...everyone of my children and every grandchild can have all the love they want and need from me.

So if you've ever wondered as this young couple did, (and I think many do but are afraid to say it out loud) that you will have enough love for your family now and in the future as it grows...

Choose to love as a capitalist.

You'll never run out.

The tank just refuels, and

The account never dries up.

Happy New Year! And may you and your family experience an ever-growing, expanding love in 2025!

Dan