My parents once asked me to give half of their land to them so that I could sell it and buy an apartment in the city, since I was living in a rented house at the time. I said to them, “You guys started with nothing, and now you’re giving me your land. Shouldn’t I follow in your footsteps?”
I even jokingly said that if I secured a home for myself, I would have two plots of land.That idea has since come true and now I have a home.
Recently, my parents, concerned about their old age and declining health, again hinted at transferring the land to me, and of course I promptly refused.
I told them, “All you need to do is draw up a will stating that the assets will be divided only after you both die, so that your children don’t fight over the inheritance. And if you’re worried about the land sitting idle, you can always build a house on it and rent it out. That way you’ll have someone to take care of it and you’ll have some extra income for personal expenses like travel and medical expenses.”
We want parents to always feel like they live in their own home, not psychologically dependent on their children. If they miss their children or grandchildren, they can come to the city and spend as much time with them as they like, and they can easily return to their hometown because the house is still intact.
My in-laws also called me to discuss inheriting their family land early, which of course I quickly declined as it was their family property and I wanted nothing to do with it.
I firmly believe that independence and value are paramount for the elderly. That is why I always support the elderly having their own assets and financial independence. For me, the fact that my parents are not dependent on me is already a great gift. Therefore, there is no reason for children to demand the assets that their parents have worked so hard to build up over their lifetimes. If children are healthy, they should not be lazy or irresponsible by relying on their parents’ assets.
In short, I always believe that respecting yourself comes first in life. Even if my parents left me nothing, it’s no excuse to settle for a miserable life.
Would you accept an early inheritance, even if it meant your parents would have to depend on you financially?
Reader Ly
*This opinion was translated into English by AI. Readers’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of VnExpress.