Feature Reports - Accompanying God's Children for Growth

Respect Children and Be Their Friends

By Sister LiangLiang, NanTou, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)

After all of these years, I’ve come to realize deeply that it takes great patience and willingness to listen in order to educate children. My child matured early, mentally speaking, for her age and is very understanding. I think it is due to the constant contact with Master’s teachings since the fetus stage. Her moods are well under control. On the contrary, it is me who needs to do a lot of introspection and improve. Many times, I forced my will upon her. Though she was unwilling to obey, she still tried to cooperate with me. Later I gradually realized that she actually has her own opinion. All I need to do is to understand her and give the right advice, and then she would be glad to accept.

I once encountered a problem during the course of raising her when she confessed to me that she did not like to meditate. Upon hearing it, I was very upset and surprised. But I did not blame her because I felt the problem originated from me. Though she received initiation since young and has been meditating with us all the time, she understood Master’s teaching very little. She only knew to meditate, but did not understand the reason behind it. This reminded me that it should not be taken for granted that whatever we think is best would be accepted easily by our loved ones, because they need time to learn as well. After that, I started explaining Master’s teachings, the logic behind spiritual practice and vegetarianism before her bedtime. I tried helping her understand that spiritual practice is an inseparable part of life.

Now, whenever my child has questions or encounters difficulties, I will first listen carefully to her opinion, then ask her how she would like to handle it. If she is not sure, I would then give advice. This way she knows that I respect her and am willing to discuss her problems trustingly. This trust is built upon my respect and love for my child, and that’s how I have become her good reliable friend.

Everyone wishes to be respected, including children! Master taught us “to be children’s friends.” To be children’s friends, we have to respect them. When they feel they are treated with respect, they will be reminded of their own noble God nature and naturally will try to act upon their noble, kind qualities and be responsible for their actions.

 

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