A father's random thoughts

Mon, May 12 12:35 AM

I am not an exemplary parent but I do think often of how I will bring up my child. I offer these thoughts, not to teach parents more capable than I, but just to share the impulses of an ordinary, everyday sort of father.

Mahatma Gandhi said we could not expect our children to follow the same course of evolution as us. But at the same time we cannot be indifferent to our children's upbringing.

We can certainly try our best though, while leaving the results in God's hands. A spiritual lady once told me when I was worried about my family in another city that I should "send prayers".

Since then I have been praying for my family. Meanwhile, what is the least that we can do for our children? In my view we can do some work to provide the material necessities, spend time with and pray for our children.

How can we "mould" our children? I think we could live our own life as an example and have conversations with our children. We can encourage our children to talk about themselves by asking questions and listening patiently.

Then we can mildly offer suggestions. Spiritual teachers say that a degree of detachment is necessary in this important relationship.

Excessive attachment or concern could actually harm the child. One good, exemplary thing we can definitely do for our children is to love and respect the other parent.

We all know that education is necessary for our children. What the child learns at school needs to be supplemented at home.

We can tell our children the basics of our religion and worldly matters in casual conversations. We can encourage our child to read, keep a diary, play games and exercise.

If she is older we can tell her how some TV shows only aim to sell products. We need to see that the child does not fall into bad company.

He should not lie or use abusive words. We also need to guard against sexual abuse and substance abuse.

Tough job? Too bad.

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