In his book, The Wisdom Bridge, my spiritual guide and Master, Kamlesh Patel, offers invaluable advice for parents. The book is aptly subtitled, ‘Nine principles to a life that echoes in the hearts of your loved ones.’
During these unprecedented times, where every age group is battling some demons without and within, this book comes like a breath of fresh air offering parents’ (to be-parents) guidelines and hints to raise self-aware children. Children who can take on the challenges life throws at them with courage and self- assurance.
I will give a mere glimpse of the nine principles, to pique the readers’ interest. The first principle is – Raising a child still takes a village.
Succinctly put, it takes more than just the parents to raise a child. A child who grows up to become a sensitive, intuitive and self-assured human being. Uncles, aunts, grand-parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, peers, even caregivers have some role to play in raising the child. Today, most of us live physically apart, and far away from one another. In my family itself, my cousins have left their children under the care of grandparents, just so they could build their career and a stable life for their progeny. Even if we live close by, there are many constraints, and it is not very easy.
But the children need more than parents in their life for a holistic development. If physically living together is not possible, we can capitalize on the technology at our disposal and make an earnest attempt to be together in heart. The togetherness of the hearts is always possible.
I grew up with many people around me. My aunt had the freedom to reprimand me if I played mischief, and I remember my mother telling off my friend is she was at fault. There was a sense of oneness, a togetherness. It was a small community and we all lived together. I don’t remember any meal where it was just the family members. We always had a friend or neighbor’s child or a guest who dined with us. It was a predictable simple meal, and guests were always welcome. Maybe that’s why I never missed my parents. I was always around people who cared for me, and I felt safe with them. I had many role models to look up to and learn from.
Unfortunately, I was not able to raise my children the way I grew up. My husband has a travelling job, and we were always on the move. The only stability I could offer was my presence at home. The bond I share with my cousins and extended family is starkly missing in my progeny. They missed the love and affection of grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins. Many times, I have craved for some companionship, help and support when raising my children.
t does take a village to raise a child. I was raised by a village, and I wish my children can make use of technology and help raise their progeny with the help of the village, a group of people who are together, united at heart.
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