I have always been an avid reader. From political to beauty, I read books on anything that catches my attention. Recently, I came across a beautiful article in the book ‘Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul’. Written by Raksha Bharadia, the piece “The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The tree” is an eye-opener for everyone. It is as follows.
You tell your child, “Do not watch so much television, it will teach you nothing and it will spoil your eyes.” Come 9 pm and you are glued to your television set and not a team of wild horses can drag you away. Mommy, are your eyes and brain made of different material?
You tell your child, “Do not lie.” And the moment the phone rings you instruct her, “Tell her I’m not here.” Mommy, is lying permitted after you turn eighteen?
You tell your child, “Respect your elders.” And your child looks at you confused when you give your fifty-year-old cook a verbal dressing down. Ma, is respecting elders subjective?
You tell your child, “Learn to say thank you.” And you lisp those magic words readily for the smallest things done by an outsider but, never waste your energy wasting them for any house members. Mommy, do I have to say thank you only to and in front of outsiders?
You tell your child, “Why don’t you read in your free time?” All your leisure hours are spent discussing the latest who did what and to whom. Mommy, is chatting over the telephone as enlightening as reading?
You tell your child, “Be generous. Share your toys with your friends.” And you penny-pinch and lie so that neighbors do not develop the bad habit of always coming to your door for whatever they run out of.
You tell your child, “Learn to let go.” And the child hears you discuss at length the mistake committed by your friend or husband.
You tell your child, “Learn to control your temper.” But when you get angry, you shout.
You tell your child, “Do not hit others.” And you spank, hit or slap your child as punishment.
You tell your child, “Own up to your mistakes.” But when you make one, you try and rationalize it.
You throw your hands up in exasperation: “My children never listen to what I say.” But my dear, they are copying you to perfection!
This post is a message to all parents out there. Your children are God’s gifts; they are extremely precious. Devote as much time with them as you can and, take pains to impart good value system to them because, children are tender. Once molded in the wrong way, it is very difficult to bring them on the right path. So, choose your words and actions wisely and be the guiding light for your children.
Children who are impoverished because of financial conditions can be helped but, children who are impoverished in value system cannot be…