Sting said raising children to believe they never have to work is “a form of abuse,” arguing that kids should still be motivated to build lives and careers for themselves.
No Nepo Kids
The star believes encouraging independence is an act of “kindness” and trust rather than cruelty, paying for his children’s education and necessities while still expecting them to work, as he expressed on “CBS Sunday Morning” this week.
Sting reaffirmed a philosophy he first publicly shared in 2014, saying he does not want trust funds to become “albatrosses round their necks.”
Sting’s six children may disagree with their father’s no-inheritance philosophy at times.
However, Sting joked they do not say it “to my face.”
The magazine also noted that Sting would still financially help his children if they were ever seriously in trouble.
However, he does not expect them to be “waiting for a handout,” according to People.
Rolling Stone focused on Sting’s working-class mentality and career journey before fame.
“The working class works and wants to work,” Sting said, according to Rolling Stone.
That mentality has shaped his refusal to fully fund his children’s careers through inheritance.
Before fame, Sting worked construction jobs, office jobs, and taught in a mining village.
Even the start of his music career had humble roots, as he performed on cruise ships before becoming successful in music, Rolling Stone reported.
According to Syracuse.com, Sting’s net worth is reportedly around $550 million, a fortune built over decades in music, touring, songwriting, acting and theater.
The 74-year-old musician rose to global fame as the frontman and bassist for The Police, helping produce hits such as “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne,” and “Message in a Bottle.
After the band’s success, Sting built a major solo career with songs including Desert Rose while also branching into acting and Broadway.
Sting has won 17 Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award and earned four Oscar nominations throughout his career.
Beyond music, Sting has appeared in films and television projects including Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Bee Movie and Only Murders in the Building.
Despite his success and wealth, Sting still finds himself working at age 74. Fox News reported his current involvement with The Last Ship and the “STING 3.0” tour.
