These following ways of life can be applied to any culture or religion, gender and environment in order to raise our future generation.
- Be a good role model.
It said that “monkey see monkey do”.
The best way to train a child is not by telling them what to do, but by leading a good example in every single action of body, speech and mind. Kids are often strongly affected by the ways adults work or live.
There are many methods that one can activate the compassionate seeds in a child. For example, take them to volunteering or charitable activities. This can definitely show kids how to be more grateful and responsible. Anytime you visit old people care center, take your children with you so they can learn about loving kindness from a young age. “There is a time for every season”. When they are small, it’s the best time to nurture all these virtues and qualities.
- Encourage a child to be a grateful person
The 21st century has witnessed the most advanced in technology but also recorded the largest number of cases regarding mental issues.
Although we are having a very well-equipped life, yet we should pay more attention to mental hygiene.
In a meal, instead of constantly asking your children about their academic performance at school, let’s teach them to be thankful for the clean water they have, good food available. A child growing with a grateful attitute will be more likely to be caring and happy later.
- The present is a present
Buddha said: “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment”.
This teaching is particularly relevant to training a child from an early stage of life. Parents can teach their kids to cherish every moment of life: that we can always be happy now, here at this moment!
Mindfulness is one of the strongest powers to achieve inner peace and this should be the most meaningful lesson for children.
Buddha said: ‘’If something is worth doing, do it with all your heart’’. If all children are well-trained on how to achieve peace in mind and control emotions like anger and fear, it is positive that they will grow up to be very loving and happy.
May we be the light in the lives of all children
Ven Master Nawang Kunphel
How to train kids with basic Buddhist prayers and meditation techniques from a very early age?