Family Planning

This is not about planning the number of children in a family but the wisdom of pre-planning children’s professions/trades to effectively care for aging parents. Henri and I have six children who all have successful jobs. In view of our senior status, however, we didn’t plan their careers very well to help us in our twilight years. Three sons, a correctional officer in a state prison, a deputy sheriff in Madison County, and a safety manager in a federal prison, can only provide for us if we violate federal, state, or Madison County laws. Another son, a research scientist, and a daughter, a pharmaceutical marketing analyst, study drugs and drug marketing but can’t supply the drugs we need. At least, the younger daughter, a dental hygienist, will be able to clean whatever teeth we have left!

My new plan is to establish a Utopian commune to ensure our needs and the needs of the entire family will be met. Within the next five years, we suggest our children and their spouses pursue professions/trades practical to support intergenerational life. Our commune will require the following: doctor, lawyer, dentist, plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter, nurse, banker, pharmacist, accountant, and funeral director. The children/spouses can decide among themselves what jobs appeal to each. When all have completed the additional education and/or training, we will establish our commune. The logical place to do this is in North Dakota where Henri has part ownership in a family farm. Utilizing their new skills, the children will build seven small cottages, each with sleeping quarters and a bathroom, and one large community building for meals, activities, and schooling. Ginger will home school the grandchildren who will also be responsible to take care of the farm animals, crops, and gardens. Henri will oversee the grandchildren’s’ tasks and also be the family chef. In addition to providing for the needs of the family, the adult children can use their skills to work for others, thus providing sources of income. This proposal will sustain the current generations as well as generations to come, lessen dependence on outside resources, and promote family harmony. Why didn’t we think of this years ago?