A relatable, human entry point for older Canadians
“Wait… it’s not just fake internet money?”
That was my mom’s first reaction when I brought up Bitcoin. My dad, ever the skeptic, asked if I’d joined a cult. I don’t blame them—Bitcoin can feel like a foreign language to many Canadians, especially those who grew up trusting banks, pensions, and “the system.”
But over time, they got curious. And with patience, relatable examples, and a little Canadian context, I helped them see why Bitcoin matters—and how they could get started safely.
Step 1: I Kept It Simple
I didn’t start with technical terms like “blockchain” or “mining.” I started with this:
“Bitcoin is money that no one can inflate, freeze, or take away. It’s like digital gold that lives on the internet.”
That clicked. My parents remembered the value of gold. They understood what it meant to own something outside the banks.
Step 2: I Connected It to Real-World Concerns
I mentioned:
- How the Canadian dollar has lost purchasing power over time
- How inflation eats into savings and pensions
- How Bitcoin’s fixed supply makes it resistant to that erosion
Suddenly, it wasn’t about speculation—it was about protecting value.
Step 3: I Showed Them, Not Just Told Them
I helped them:
- Download a beginner-friendly wallet (we chose BlueWallet)
- Receive a small amount of Bitcoin from me
- Watch it move—instantly, globally, no middleman
The lightbulb went off when they realized they didn’t need a bank or approval. It just worked.
Step 4: I Talked About Security (Without Scaring Them)
I explained the importance of:
- Backing up the recovery phrase
- Not sharing their private keys
- Using a small amount first, and keeping it safe
We stored the recovery phrase offline and wrote it down twice—one copy in a lockbox, one in a fireproof envelope.
Final Thought
If you’re a Bitcoiner with hesitant parents, meet them where they are. Use familiar language. Be patient. And focus less on price—and more on principles like ownership, control, and long-term value.
You don’t need to “orange pill” them overnight. Just plant the seed.
They might surprise you.