One of the greatest challenges of parenting is raising a child who does not feel entitled and who has a heart of service for others.

 

Living in the comfort of Sydney's North Shore and going to a private school is such a privilege. It is easy for kids to become spoilt and to expect certain material things. Be it new shoes, the latest toy, the newest gadget or electronic equipment. These kids really have no concept of what life looks like for the majority of people in the world.

 

I see this as a "rites of passage" trip. It won't be long before Johan is a teenager and I want to spend this 1:1 time with him to show him a little bit of the real world. Hopefully it will leave a deep and lasting impression on him and will signficantly alter his views on life and give him an appreciation for how fortunate he is.

 

The Barker College school motto of Honor Non Honores is something which I often re-iterate to Johan and is something which I hope will resonate with him as he goes through life.

 

Knowing how to be resilient, work hard, live a grateful life, be kind, have compassion for others, lead a life of service, and leave the world a better place are what I aspire for my children.