Teach children how to be happy: Nabeel

Actor's wholesome advice on parenting

In an era where academic success and financial stability dominate conversations about parenting, actor and comedian Nabeel Zafar offers a refreshing perspective. Speaking on Faysal Quraishi's podcast, Zafar emphasised the importance of teaching children values that extend beyond professional achievements. His advice? Don't focus solely on how to make money. Guide them on how to live a meaningful life.

"Don't teach children how to earn, teach them how to be happy. How to become a good human being. That is what's important," Zafar said. He explained that while financial success is often the goal, it should not come at the expense of personal fulfilment and character. "Money comes and goes. If you have a professional degree, money will follow. Life is a combination of patience and gratefulness, and that's what I keep telling my children."

The Bulbulay actor shared a personal lesson he imparted to his eldest son. "I told him, 'I'm giving you a private education which is expensive. How will you repay me?' He didn't understand and asked why he had to repay me, to which I said, 'There are seven days in a week, live five of them for yourself, take one of them as a holiday, and devote the remaining day to Allah.'"

The actor stressed that while parents can guide their children, it's ultimately up to them to decide how they want to live. "As a parent, it's important you inject this in them from an early age. Later, it's up to them if they want to follow it or not."

Zafar also drew inspiration from the late humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi, recalling a story about Edhi's mother. "My mother used to give me two annas a day - one for myself and one to spend on a friend." With this Zafar reiterated the idea that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the relationships we nurture and the values we uphold.