Being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) means making sacrifices for your family. While you’re working hard abroad, you want to make sure your family back home is secure and growing, not just financially, but also emotionally and intellectually. Books can be amazing tools to help with this, offering guidance, inspiration, and shared experiences. This article will explore some of the best books for OFW families, covering topics like financial literacy, parenting from a distance, and staying connected despite the distance.
Navigating Financial Waters: Books for OFWs and Their Families
One of the biggest concerns for OFW families is managing money wisely. Remittances are vital, but it’s crucial to ensure that the money is being used effectively for long-term security and not just immediate needs. This is where financial literacy comes in. Learning to budget, save, invest, and manage debt can be life-changing.
“The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason: This classic book, though set in ancient Babylon, offers timeless principles of financial wisdom. It presents financial concepts through engaging parables, making it easy to understand even for those who are new to finance. It emphasizes the importance of paying yourself first, living below your means, and making your money work for you. Imagine reading this book together as a family, discussing the principles, and setting financial goals based on them. You can even create a family “Babylonian box” for savings, encouraging everyone to contribute.
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki: This book challenges conventional wisdom about money and emphasizes the importance of financial education. It contrasts the mindsets of two “dads” – one rich, one poor – and highlights the importance of acquiring assets that generate income rather than simply working for a paycheck. For OFW families, this is especially important. Instead of just relying on remittances for everyday expenses, consider investing some of it in income-generating assets. Perhaps a small business, rental property, or even stocks and bonds. This book can help you understand the principles of creating wealth.
Personal Finance Books Tailored for Filipinos: While international bestsellers are great, books specifically written for the Filipino context can be even more helpful. Look for books by Filipino financial advisors that address the specific challenges and opportunities faced by OFWs. These books often cover topics like investing in the Philippines, understanding government programs for OFWs, and navigating the local banking system. Some popular Filipino personal finance authors include Chinkee Tan and Rose Fres Fausto. Their books often contain practical advice and relatable examples for Filipino families. For example, Chinkee Tan’s books often feature humorous anecdotes and easy-to-understand explanations of complex financial concepts. According to research, financial literacy can significantly improve the financial well-being of families, reducing debt and increasing savings rates.
Parenting from Afar: Guidance for OFWs and Caregivers
One of the hardest parts of being an OFW is being away from your children. It’s crucial to maintain a strong connection and provide guidance, even from a distance. These books can help both OFWs and the caregivers back home develop effective parenting strategies.
“The 5 Love Languages of Children” by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell: Understanding how your child best receives love – whether through words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, or physical touch – is vital for maintaining a strong relationship, especially when you’re physically apart. Even if you can’t be there physically to hug your child, you can still express your love in other meaningful ways. Perhaps you can write them a letter expressing your love and appreciation (words of affirmation), arrange for a special treat to be delivered (receiving gifts), or schedule a regular video call where you can focus solely on them (quality time). Caregivers can also use this book to better understand the child’s needs and provide the appropriate love.
“Positive Discipline for Children” by Jane Nelsen: This book offers a non-punitive approach to discipline that focuses on teaching children valuable life skills. It emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, cooperation, and problem-solving. For OFWs, this approach can be particularly helpful because it encourages communication and understanding. Instead of relying on strict rules and punishments, try to understand the reasons behind your child’s behavior and work together to find solutions. For example, if your child is constantly misbehaving in school, talk to them about it. What’s causing them to act out? Are they feeling lonely or neglected? By addressing the underlying issues, you can help them develop more positive behaviors. The caregiver can also attend workshops on positive discipline, often offered by parenting groups in the Philippines.
“How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish: This book provides practical communication techniques that can help you build stronger relationships with your children. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and respectful communication. As an OFW, you may not have the opportunity to be physically present for everyday conversations, but you can still make an effort to connect with your child emotionally. When you do talk, really listen to what they have to say, and validate their feelings. It can be also helpful to have regular “check-in” conversations with the caregiver to discuss any challenges or concerns they may have about the child.
Moreover, consider books that help children understand their parents’ roles and sacrifices as OFWs. Stories that feature themes of family, perseverance, and the importance of education can be especially impactful. These books can help children develop a positive attitude towards their parents’ work and appreciate the sacrifices they are making. Search for Filipino children’s books that specifically address the OFW experience. These stories can help children feel understood and less alone in their experiences. Talking about the books afterwards provide an opportunity to openly discuss both perspectives.
Bridging the Distance: Books on Communication and Connection
Maintaining strong family bonds across geographical boundaries requires conscious effort and effective communication strategies. These books can help OFWs and their families stay connected and build meaningful relationships, despite the physical distance.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families” by Stephen Covey: While not specifically written for OFW families, this book offers valuable principles for building strong and cohesive family units. It emphasizes the importance of shared values, clear communication, and mutual respect. The 7 habits – be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand, then to be understood, synergize, and sharpen the saw – can be applied to any family situation, but they are particularly relevant for OFW families. For example, “begin with the end in mind” encourages you to create a family vision statement, outlining your shared goals and values. This can help you stay focused on what’s important and make decisions that align with your goals, even when you’re apart.
“Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind – and Keep – Love” by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller: While seemingly geared towards romantic relationships, understanding attachment styles can greatly improve all relationships, including those within families. For OFW families, with frequent separations and reunions, understanding how family members attach to each other can lead to conscious efforts to provide reassurance and avoid behaviors that trigger anxiety or insecurity. The book describes three main attachment styles: secure, anxious, and avoidant. Understanding your own attachment style and the attachment styles of your family members can help you communicate more effectively and build stronger, more secure relationships, even across distances.
Books on Technology and Communication Tools: In today’s digital age, technology plays a vital role in connecting OFWs with their families. Consider reading books or articles about the best communication tools and strategies for staying connected. Learn how to use video conferencing, social media, and messaging apps effectively. Explore digital tools that facilitate collaborative activities, such as online games, virtual movie nights, or shared photo albums. Stay updated on new apps and technologies that can enhance communication and make it feel more personal. Having access to reliable and affordable internet services is crucial for OFWs to stay connected with their families. Many telecoms offer different services for OFWs that provide affordable options and other services.
Self-Care and Well-being for OFWs and Their Families
Being an OFW can be incredibly stressful, both for the worker and their family back home. It’s important to prioritize self-care and well-being, both individually and as a family. These books can provide guidance and support.
“Mindfulness for Beginners” by Jon Kabat-Zinn: This book offers a practical introduction to mindfulness meditation, a technique that can help you reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Mindfulness can be especially helpful for OFWs who are dealing with the stress of being away from their families and working in a new environment. Even a few minutes of daily mindfulness meditation can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Family members back home can also benefit from mindfulness practices. Mindfulness can help them cope with the challenges of having a parent working abroad and build resilience.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey: While discussed earlier in the context of families, this book is also excellent for personal development and self-improvement. Covey’s teachings about being proactive, managing time effectively, and seeking win-win solutions are applicable to any aspect of life, especially the challenges faced by OFWs. For example, “sharpen the saw” emphasizes taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. For an OFW, this might mean making time for exercise, pursuing hobbies, and connecting with other Filipinos in the community.
Books on Managing Stress and Anxiety: OFWs often face unique stressors, such as culture shock, language barriers, and homesickness, as highlighted in reports from organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO). Consider reading books that offer practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Look for books that address specific issues faced by OFWs, such as dealing with loneliness, coping with financial pressures, or navigating cultural differences. If stress and anxiety become overwhelming, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor is also important.
Furthermore, encourage reading materials, especially magazines and websites, that promote mental wellness. This can also include information from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) or similar resources to benefit the situation.
Building a Shared Future: Books on Goals and Dreams
While remittances provide immediate financial support, it’s crucial to have a shared vision for the future and work towards long-term goals as a family. These books can help OFWs and their families dream big and create a plan to achieve their aspirations.
“The Power of Vision” by John Maxwell: This book emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision for your life and how to pursue that goal. This doesn’t only apply to the OFW, but to the family as a whole. For example, instead of only seeing the OFW job as a means to end, it should be viewed as a means to a shared family-oriented final goal. This will then drive all decision-making processes for financial and personal matters. What does your family want to achieve in the long term? Perhaps you want to own a business, build a comfortable home, or provide your children with the best possible education. Once you have a clear vision, you can develop a plan to achieve those goals.
“Goals!” by Brian Tracy: This is considered a straightforward guide to goal-setting and achievement. It provides a step-by-step approach to identifying your goals, creating a plan, and taking action. For OFW families, it’s important to set both individual and collective goals. Perhaps the OFW wants to learn a new skill or achieve a promotion. The family back home might want to save a certain amount of money for a down payment on a house or start a small business. By setting goals and working together to achieve them, you can create a sense of purpose and direction as a family.
Biographies of Successful Filipinos: Reading the stories of successful Filipinos, whether they are entrepreneurs, artists, or community leaders, can be incredibly inspiring. These stories can show you that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a clear vision. Look for biographies of people who have overcome challenges and achieved their dreams. These stories can provide you with motivation and inspiration to pursue your own goals. Reading the stories of successful OFWs that returned to the Philippines and led successful lives can be beneficial too. It helps keep morale up while working overseas.
FAQ Section
Q: How can I encourage my children to read more?
A: Make reading a fun and engaging activity. Start by reading aloud to your children, even when they are older. Visit the library together regularly and let them choose their own books. Create a cozy reading nook in your home and make it a habit to read together as a family. Consider joining a book club or attending author events (or viewing online versions). Also, be a role model – let your children see you reading and enjoying books.
Q: How can I find time to read as an OFW?
A: It can be challenging to find time to read when you are working long hours and adjusting to a new environment. However, even a few minutes of reading each day can make a difference. Listen to audiobooks during your commute, read during your lunch break, or set aside 15-20 minutes before bedtime. Carry a book with you so you can read whenever you have a spare moment. You can also join an online book club, which can provide you with motivation and accountability. Many organizations, like OWWA, also have lending resources for OFWs to borrow books.
Q: What if my family doesn’t like to read?
A: Don’t force it. Start by finding books that align with their interests. If they are interested in sports, look for biographies of famous athletes. If they enjoy cooking, find cookbooks with easy and delicious recipes. You can also try graphic novels or comic books, which can be a good way to engage reluctant readers. Make reading a social activity by reading aloud together or discussing books with friends and family. Remember, the goal is to foster a love of reading, not to force them to read specific books.
Q: Where can I find affordable books for my family?
A: Many libraries offer free access to books and other resources. Look for secondhand bookstores or online marketplaces where you can buy used books at discounted prices. Consider sharing books with friends and family. You can also find free e-books online. Additionally, organizations like OWWA can sometimes provide access to resources that offer free or discounted books to OFWs and their families.
References
- Clason, George S. The Richest Man in Babylon. New York: Penguin Random House, 1926.
- Kiyosaki, Robert T. Rich Dad Poor Dad. Scottsdale, AZ: Plata Publishing, 1997.
- Chapman, Gary, and Ross Campbell. The 5 Love Languages of Children. Chicago: Northfield Publishing, 1997.
- Nelsen, Jane. Positive Discipline. New York: Ballantine Books, 1981.
- Faber, Adele, and Elaine Mazlish. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk. New York: Scribner, 1980.
- Covey, Stephen. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families. New York: Golden Books, 1997.
- Levine, Amir and Heller, Rachel. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – Love. New York: TarcherPerigee, 2010.
- Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment–And Your Life. Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2012.
- Maxwell, John. The Power of Vision: Discover and Achieve Your Highest Potential Through Vision. Thomas Nelson, 2023.
- Tracy, Brian. Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want–Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2003.
Being an OFW is a journey of sacrifice, strength, and love. By incorporating reading into your family’s life, you can not only enhance your financial literacy and parenting skills but also build stronger bonds and create a shared vision for the future. Consider the books mentioned above, and take the first step: visit a library, browse a bookstore, or download an e-book. Start reading, start learning, and start building a better future for your OFW family today. Open a shared group chat, and discuss the main points, or even read the book in sections and talk with each other every session. You might even discover a new business plan or dream together!
