When children go overseas to study or work, receiving money from them can make parents feel happy and reassured. It may show that their child is earning an income, thinking of the family and wanting to share the results of their hard work.

However, the amount of money a child sends home does not necessarily mean that their life abroad is going well. Parents should look beyond the money and consider their child’s health, studies, work, daily living costs and ability to support themselves.

1. Why shouldn’t parents judge their child’s situation by the amount sent home?

Regular remittances may indicate that a child has a stable income, manages money carefully or wants to help the family.

On the other hand, a child may feel under pressure to support their parents, repay debts incurred before departure or meet family expectations. They may be sending more money than they can comfortably afford.

If your child sends almost all their earnings home, borrows money to make transfers or cuts back excessively on essential expenses such as food, it is worth checking whether they are struggling financially.

2. What should parents look at besides the money received?

Rather than asking only, “How much have you sent home this month?”, parents can ask about their child’s everyday life.

• Living expenses: After sending money home, does your child still have enough for food, transport, rent and other essentials?

• Health: Are they eating properly, getting enough rest and looking after their health?

• Work and studies: Are they attending classes regularly, fulfilling their work responsibilities and following the rules of their host country?

• Emotional well-being: Are they frequently stressed, worried about money or feeling overwhelmed by family responsibilities?

• Independence: Can they manage their budget, set aside emergency savings and deal with everyday problems independently?

These questions can help parents better understand their child’s real circumstances, whether they are living in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan or another destination.

3. What if your child sends little money home or cannot send any yet?

Not every international student or overseas worker can send money home during the first few months. They may need to cover tuition fees, rent and living expenses or repay money borrowed to prepare for their departure.

For international students, prioritising their studies and ensuring they can afford essential living costs are important. For workers, take-home pay depends on factors such as wages, taxes, insurance premiums, rent and other deductions.

Parents should therefore avoid comparing the amount their child sends with what other families receive. What matters is whether their child has a suitable study or work plan, manages money responsibly and is gradually building a stable life.

4. How can parents talk to their child?

Instead of asking, “How much have you sent us this month?”, parents could ask:

• “Do you still have enough money for your living expenses after sending money home?”

• “How are your studies or work going recently?”

• “Are you struggling with any repayments or living costs?”

• “Have you managed to save some money in case of an unexpected expense next month?”

If your child is experiencing difficulties, try to find a solution together rather than criticising them for sending less money or being unable to send anything. Understanding and support can make it easier for them to speak honestly about their financial situation.

Parents and children should also agree on a realistic amount to send home based on the child’s actual income. Remittances should not become such a burden that they affect the child’s health, studies or work.

5. What are the signs that your child is becoming settled abroad?

A stable life overseas cannot be measured by remittances alone. Parents may feel more reassured when their child is gradually learning to:

• Manage income and expenses independently.

• Look after their health and maintain a reasonable daily routine.

• Take responsibility for their studies or work.

• Follow the laws and rules of their host country.

• Build savings for unexpected expenses.

• Seek appropriate help when facing difficulties instead of dealing with everything alone.

It is also important for children to protect their own living standards while supporting their families within their means, rather than sending almost all their earnings home every month.

A message to parents

Money sent home is a valuable expression of a child’s care for their family, but it should not be the only measure of success abroad.

Sometimes, the most reassuring sign of progress is not that your child has sent more money than the previous month. It is that they are looking after their health, managing their finances sensibly, taking their studies or work seriously and learning to deal with life’s challenges calmly.

By paying attention to the life behind each remittance, parents can help their children grow in independence and build a more secure future.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Songda Tohoku Joint Stock Company

Address: L02-L01, Area A, Duong Noi Urban Area, Duong Noi Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hotline: 0989 044 852

Email: tohokusongda2014@gmail.com

Website: https://tohoku.vn