Parenting: The Importance of Both the Brain and the Heart
[Appreciation and politeness to be shown to others, at all times]
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As parents, we want our children to study well. We teach them the importance of their education.
We remind them about completing their homework and preparing well for their exams.
Having the heart for others who are less able than themAt the same time, do we also teach our children the importance of good manners and ‘simple matters’ like, queuing up?
Do we remind them about the importance of speaking in a positive tone, and showing appreciation and kindness to others?
Do we also instill in them the importance of TREATING other people well (regardless of their social or economic level), and having the heart for others who are less able than them?
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Let’s do some quiet introspection and ask ourselves: what kind of daily questions or reminders do we give our children?
Have you done your homework?
What did you get for your English test today?
When is your next ‘Show and Tell’ session?
Stand over here please and queue up properly.
Did you say thanks to the security guard who opened the door for you?
Do you thank the school’s canteen lady by name?
Speak a little louder and make sure the man heard you when you said sorry for accidentally stepping on his shoes.
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It is somewhat HARDER to put ‘appreciation, care and empathy’ into action (especially if we live in a big, busy city)The reality is, the majority of us tend to emphasise the importance of knowledge, so much more than we emphasise the importance of having a heart for others.
And, it is somewhat HARDER to put ‘appreciation, care and empathy’ into action (especially if we live in a big, busy city)
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CONCLUSION:
IF our children (and ourselves) find it harder to naturally show some appreciation and empathy for others, then it is really OUR JOB as the parents to emphasise even MORE the importance of the heart, every day.
We need more of it in this world.
(And if you’re a person of the faith like me, then it’s our calling to be light and a blessing to others, through our words and action)
Food for thought.
