Tannishblog

One of the most challenging aspects of any adult life is child rearing. To spend years dealing with the consequences of our behavior, intended or unintended, is our primary existential quandary. Having and raising children is what gives life meaning. Ensuring your offspring has all the tools needed to succeed is of paramount importance.

Seeing as this is a central part of what is means to be an adult in society, one wonders why people are so unprepared for the job. What I've seen on the playground, in the malls, during vacations and everyday places like the grocery, I ponder the collective ignorance of parents. Often when I see a child misbehave in public, I look toward the parent and see them behaving badly as well. I guess they don't understand that a parent is the child's first role model.

Generally, people of all ages tend to act inappropriately. As I love to point out: "Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional." Many parents need to mature themselves.

As a Buddhist, being compassionate is of equal importance, and to instill that value in my offspring is vital. Happily, other people are attempting the same. CNN has an article for the newly expecting or the seasoned pro on how to raise a compassionate child. But the most important instruction is to be compassionate yourself. You children will naturally reflect the values you hold, whatever they may be.