Raising kids in today’s world can sometimes feel like parenting in expert mode. Luckily, Reinette Boshoff is on a mission to help the next generation grow up confident, kind and grounded … one Hartsmeisie and Krygsman at a time.
If you ask Reinette Boshoff what she does for a living, she’ll probably laugh first.
“I usually say I work with both money and children, so I need a lot of wisdom,” she jokes.
It’s not entirely a joke. By day, Reinette is a financial adviser, helping families build financial plans that support both their responsibilities and their dreams. But beyond spreadsheets and long-term planning, there’s another part of her life that feels just as meaningful.
Her heart is firmly invested in the next generation. Through two mentoring initiatives – Hartsmeisie for girls and Krygsman for boys – Reinette is equipping tweens and teens with life skills that don’t always appear on school report cards but matter enormously in real life.
Confidence. Boundaries. Respect. Emotional intelligence. Identity. And even practical things like hygiene, handling conflict, and why kindness and good manners still matter.
Because if you ask most parents today, raising children can sometimes feel like navigating a completely new planet.
“Between social media, AI and comparison culture, many children are growing up faster than their emotional maturity can keep up with,” Reinette says. “Emotionally, they’re still children, but the world they’re living in can feel very adult.”
A heart for the next generation
Reinette’s journey into youth mentoring wasn’t something she planned on a vision board. It grew quietly over time. Before becoming a financial adviser, she spent several years working as a teacher – a season that shaped the way she sees children and the challenges they carry.
“I was very focused on teaching and the results that came with it. But during one school holiday, one of our learners passed away, and that moment really changed my perspective. It made me realise there is so much more to life than academics.”
Over time, she began noticing patterns. Girls are constantly comparing themselves to others. Boys unsure how to express emotions in healthy ways. Children are navigating friendships and identity without the tools to do it well.
“Society has become so modernised that we sometimes forget to teach our children the basics. Things like dealing with bullies, choosing the right friends, managing money, or even simple hygiene.”
Somewhere between those observations and a deep sense of purpose, the idea for Hartsmeisie was born.
The moment that started it all
The seed for Hartsmeisie was planted during a Christian mother-and-daughter camp, a moment Reinette still remembers vividly.
“My eyes were closed while a friend prayed for me. When I opened them, all the women had formed a circle around me.”
Her friend shared a message that Reinette’s heart was meant for young girls. When she returned home, she sat down with a pen and paper and started writing. Topics. Life lessons. Conversations girls needed to have. Everything just flowed. That moment eventually grew into Hartsmeisie, a mentorship programme for girls aged 10 to 16, the years when identity, self-worth and boundaries begin taking shape.
At the heart of the programme is a message Reinette wants every girl to carry with her: “You were born for a reason. No one is a mistake.”
Why do boys need their own space?
Not long after launching Hartsmeisie nearly four years ago, Reinette started hearing the same question from parents.
“What about the boys?” And so Krygsman was born, a programme for boys aged 11 to 14, another crucial stage of development. I believe boys today are craving clear direction. We need to teach them how to become gentlemen and leaders again.”
In the Krygsman world, being a good man isn’t about outdated stereotypes. Instead, it focuses on building character.
“Disciplined. Respectful. Emotionally intelligent. Purpose-driven.”
And perhaps one of the most important lessons she shares with boys is something society doesn’t always allow them to hear.
“They are allowed to cry. Boys often keep their emotions inside. When they can’t hold it anymore, it sometimes comes out the wrong way. We need to give them safe spaces where they can talk.”
“If their heart feels safe, they will actually listen. If it doesn’t, you’re just talking into the wind.”
A mom’s perspective
Reinette’s work is also shaped by one of her most important roles. Being a mother. Motherhood changed the way she sees every child she mentors.
“When I stand in front of a group of girls or boys, I don’t see a programme. I see someone’s child.”
That mindset brings a deep sense of responsibility. “It makes me incredibly intentional.”
Her biggest parenting realisation?
Most parents will recognise the moment when you realise your child heard absolutely nothing you said. Because if parenting teaches you anything, it’s this … lectures rarely work, but conversations often do. The message she hopes her own children carry into adulthood is beautifully simple.
“God called you by your name, not your title.” Integrity is another value she refuses to compromise on.
“I cannot stand dishonesty,” she says frankly. “And I really struggle with people looking down on others. Respect matters.”
The moments that matter most
For Reinette, the most rewarding moments don’t come from certificates or milestones. They come from quiet shifts.
Like the first Hartsmeisie prize-giving, when a mother unexpectedly stood up and asked if she could speak. “She shared how much her daughter had changed,” Reinette recalls. “The confidence she had gained.”
Parents often notice changes too. Growing confidence, better communication and even cleaner bedrooms.
“At Krygsman, we even teach some basic handyman skills,” Reinette says with a smile. “So parents often tell me their sons suddenly want to help around the house.”
Which, as most parents will agree, is nothing short of a miracle.
The advice parents need most
If Reinette could share one piece of advice with parents navigating modern family life, it would be this: “Don’t only focus on routine, work and money. Those things matter, of course. But what children crave most is something simpler. They need quality time with us.”
She believes small daily actions make a big difference.
“Speak life over your child. Let them solve small problems instead of fixing everything. And model respect. They copy what we do far more than what we say.”
Reinette also believes manners should never go out of style.
“Explain why it matters,” she says. “Manners are about making others feel seen and respected.”
She often reminds the children she mentors of one simple truth: “Don’t ever think that you are better than someone else.”
Today she continues balancing her professional career, mentoring initiatives, family life and faith. Her motivation remains simple. “We only have one life. While you are still breathing, your story is not finished yet.”
After long days of mentoring, meetings and family life, her reset is simple. A warm bubble bath, a little worship or country music, and a moment of quiet.
Her hope for the next generation
Reinette’s hope for the next generation is beautifully simple.
“That they will know their worth. And remember that life is short. You have one life, live it.”
And judging by the confident young Hartsmeisies and thoughtful young Krygsmans already finding their voice, the next generation is in very good hands. After all, when your life’s work involves both money and children, wisdom is bound to follow.
Want to know more?
Hartsmeisie currently runs in Centurion, Alberton, Krugersdorp and Randfontein, while Krygsman is available in Krugersdorp and Randfontein. Courses are about a month apart, usually on a Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Hartsmeisie consists of seven modules, while Krygsman includes three. Modules can be attended in any order, although the final module is completed once the others are done. Sessions can also be presented at schools or private events. Courses start from R390 depending on the area but theme specific talks start from R70 (minimum 20 kids).
Details: hartsmeisie.co.za, krygsman.co.za or send a WhatsApp to 073-338-8473.
Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Image: JANINE PRETORIUS PHOTOGRAPHY.
