Raising Children
From: A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays.
by Daisaku Ikeda, President of the SGI World Wide Organization
World Renowned Author and Poet
Parts 1- 2 from Cynthia Klein’s March and April 2012 newsletters.
“In order for a child to develop an independent self, it may be necessary at times to discipline him, while at other times the child needs to follow his own way.”
I love to see the growth of young people, as they are straight and true and full of promise. Their whole lives are ahead of them. And it is they who are entrusted with the future. That’s why I take them very seriously. For the sake of humanity in the twenty-first century, I want to help today’s children expand the inner kingdoms of their hearts as much as possible.
I feel that “treasures of the heart” is the greatest possible gift from parents to their children. Some parents may wish to guarantee their children’s happiness by giving them material wealth. Yet, no matter how wealthy they are, without good health and physical strength, children will not be able to lead truly happy lives. And. above all, I believe it is the treasures of the heart — inner qualities, such as spiritual strength, character and humanity — that will ensure the true happiness of a child.
I see child-raising as a process of leading a young adult to develop the strength to stand and walk on his own feet. Every time I meet a child, I always offer my respect to him or her as an independent person. A child is an individual with a distinct personality, and even the bond between parent and child is ultimately a relationship between two individuals.
Some children are very considerate and always deep in thought. Others may be looking for someone to fight with. One child cannot resist scribbling on everything in sight. Another is always running to the kitchen for something to eat. There are a thousand different character types and each has different interests. Parents can try to anticipate the different directions in which a child’s individuality might lead them and then do everything possible to provide the environment best suited for their development.
Essay to be continued.
Cynthia Klein has been a Certified Parent Educator since 1994. She works with dads, moms and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children of all ages. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking, webinars, and private parent coaching sessions. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and writes the Middle School Mom column for the magazine Parenting on the Peninsula. Contact Cynthia at bridges 2 understanding, bridges2understa.wpstagecoach.com or call 650. 341.0779.
