A Day at the National Museum in Lagos

Visiting the museum has always been on my bucket list of things to do. It was even more exciting because it was the opportunity for me to spend quality time with my nieces and little nephew. My neighbors' children were not left out. In all, we were nine that visited the National Museum.

The National Museum, Lagos is one of the oldest museums in Nigeria, located at Onikan. The museum has other exciting places surrounding it, such as the City Mall, Governor's office, Blue Line Rail amongst others.

The location of the museum is a good choice for a tourist attraction due to its proximities to other  places. Prior to the visit, I had earlier sent an email and some Whatsapp messages to inquire about the necessary details, such as fee, what can be brought in and so on. However, I only got a reply to my email about three weeks later, where I was instructed to write a letter to the Curator of the museum, the number of children I am bring and would pay 500 naira per child- the amount an adult would pay was not stated.
I wrote the letter for the visit to be fixed for that weekend, but never got a reply back. But I went with my crew all the same.

Saturday came, and in a flourishing and exciting mood, we trooped out in a cab to the National Museum. The children were all excited to be out, while I was silently pondering over the cost of entertaining toddlers, children, two others on the cusp of teenage hood, a teenager and two adults (including myself). We arrived late to the museum because the rain had earlier seized the day. After assuring ourselves that the weather would weathered down and not to kill the enthusiasm of the children lest, they label me as an adult that does not keep to her words.

Arriving at the museum, we were directed to the reception, where they were already expecting us. It was at that point, I was informed that adults are expected to pay a fee of 1,000 naira. I paid for all nine of us and thus our tour began.

Following the letter I wrote to the curator, we had the opportunity of getting a personalized tour of the museum and learnt of its history. My little nephew of one year was so excited to be out and was walking about "learning" alongside others. There was another tour group and together, we learnt about the artefacts and history and culture of a few tribes. We also saw the car former military head of states, General Muritala Muhammed was in when he was assassinated in 1976- they do not make those kind of cars anymore or maybe we just do not have it here. The curator also took us to the see how tie and dye and adire were being made. It was wonderful to see the fascination in the children's faces.

After the tour, we all trooped to the playground for the children to play on the swing and slides. And when it was closing time, the children were gathered again by the curator, who asked them a few questions about the tour he gave them. Earlier on, he had instructed them to take note of some important information which might be useful for them in the future.

It is important to note that if you want a personalized guide of the museum, you will making a booking via email inquiry and also pay the curator a separate fee, aside the one you are expected to pay to gain entry into the museum. Otherwise, you can visit the museum anytime within working hours.

To round up our visit to the museum, we strolled to the City Mall which was adjacent the National Museum. After some walkabout the mall, we book a ride back to the mainland to relish our visit to the museum and a week after, one of the toddlers, the children, the other two on the cusp of teenage hood, the teenager and one of the adults prepared to return back to school. The sponsor continued on with her life as an aunt, a beloved neighbor (I hope), a post-graduate student and a worker.

The visit to the museum was one of the activities I set out for my nephew and nieces to enjoy during the long holiday-just us. Before then, we had done a visit to the cinema and took a stroll in the mall. We also went to the park- the University of Lagos Lagoon Front where we had a picnic and finally, the visit to the museum.

The visit to the museum was suppose to be for my niblings and I. But I decided to include my neighbour's two children. The number increased because my neighbour's youngest in her wisdom told her two friends- boys - who were former neighbours by the way. And that was how I ended up taking seven children to the museum.

I hope you enjoy reading about our visit to the museum, and hope it serves as a reminder to do things for the most vulnerable in our families and within our community.

Finally, if you have visited any other museum, say in Europe, the US and some developed Asian countries, please do not use those to make comparison with the National Museum in Lagos and maybe Nigeria.

Thank you. Xoxo

Raising Money Masters: How to Teach Children Financial Literacy

As a parent or guardian - including aunt, uncle, and neighbour, we know the responsibilities and commitment that comes with caring for children, especially the financial aspect of it. How then do we ensure children -in their child-like state- are trained to be financially aware?

Children, by nature, are spenders. And that is why adults should be there to guide them to reduce such spending habits. While we would want for our young ones to enjoy the finer things of life, we need to guide them on being financially responsible. Nobody would like to hear about their child using his or her tuition fee to buy a new pair of shoes or wig instead.

Financial literacy is a key lesson all parents should give their children, as this will likely impact their well-being (in adulthood).

Getting Your Child Started on Financial Literacy

Once you have helped your child to identify money -cash, receipt, card or electronic transfer- help them understand the need for saving. Usually, when children see their parents with money, they tend to believe it is for spending. Make them see that money is for saving, as well. That way, you are instilling discipline and delayed gratification in them. Every child should have a piggy bank (or kolo if you like. LOL). And when they put in money, encourage them with words.

Help your child understand that they have to live within their means. Let your child understand that they may not have all they want anytime, some may require planning and savings and others are out rightly unnecessary or extravagant.

Teach your child financial literacy through giving. Involve your children in charity projects, by encouraging them to use a part of their savings towards a noble cause. As they grow older, it helps them to understand that money can be used to make the world a better place.

Image credit: todaysparent.com 

Make opportunities for your children to earn more. I remember when I was in primary school, I helped my older siblings to wash their socks, and they paid me afterwards. Parents can encourage their children to do more house chores and pay them (Nigerian mothers left the group chat). It does not have to be every time, it is just a way to encourage and appreciate your children.

Credit: Punch newspaper

While it is good to save, also teach your child about investing. Through their savings, children can contribute towards their trust fund (educational). Please open a bank account for them, and depending on your agreement on when the piggy bank should be opened (quarterly, annually), let your child accompany you to a bank to deposit their savings- I am sure they would also find some investing ads in the banking hall. Get them child-friendly financial books to get them started on investment.

Image credit: istockphoto

Finally, while you are teaching your child good financial behaviour, be a financial model yourself. Your children watch you, even while you are advising them. If you complain about how the economy is affecting your finances, but still decide to go on a shopping spree (YOLO), you would be confusing your child.

Additionally, while encouraging your children to do more chores, join them and engage them in conversations. They also learn teamwork in their knowledge of financial literacy.

Your children can make good money decisions when they see you doing the same. Mean what you say, and say what you mean- be consistent.