CHILDREN MIRROR THEIR PARENTS
Gautam Buddha once asked his disciple: “Do you know how to play the veena?”
Disciple: “Yes, master”
Buddha: “If you stretch the Veena’s strings too tight, will it produce a melodious sound?”
Disciple: “No, master”
Buddha: “What if you keep the strings too loose; will it produce a melodious sound then?”
Disciple: “No, sir, loose strings will also make the instrument sound out of tune”
Buddha: “So, only if the strings of the veena are in balance – not too loose, not too tight – will it sound in tune and melodious?”
Disciple: “That is absolutely correct.”
Buddha: “In the same way, we should keep the strings of life neither too loose nor too tight. A harmonious balance is just right!”
Parents should strive to apply this principle of balance to their parenting approach. Being too strict, or too permissive will both not solve the challenge. Parents should strive to achieve a balance with their children by practicing empathy and loving discipline when needed.
Though we are all familiar with the adage, “The apple does not fall far from the tree”, sometimes, parents underestimate how closely their children mirror their actions. Most children want to be like their parents, so they mimic their parent’s behaviours – both positive and negative. Parents want the best for their children, and at times, have high standards for their kids, which they do not meet themselves. The result is “Do as I say and not as I do” mentality that causes many problems in a child’s development. If parents cannot evolve beyond their negative qualities, this will be reflected in their children.
The Supreme has given parents the role to guide children, but more than our words, children learn from our actions.
As a family, sit together and indulge in solving this practical and mindful worksheet for Day-1 and reflect on your positives! Feel free to share your work as a personal message to me. Soon these can be posted as comments on our website as well!
And then, move onto “Day-2 Encouraging Good Habits“
Resonate to "Stay Focused" 