balanced parenting

In the quiet moments of my life as a pediatrician, a parent, and a spiritual seeker, I often find myself reflecting on the profound lessons bestowed upon me by the children and families I’ve had the privilege to know. One gentle summer evening, a young patient once asked me a question that left me pondering for days: “Doctor, why do we have hearts if sometimes they hurt?” This simple, yet profound inquiry led me to explore deeper truths about life, parenting, and the teachings that have anchored my own journey.

Through my years of practice and parenting, I’ve come to understand that a child’s life is like a canvas with its Four Pillars standing strong and supportive—Health, Relationships, Financial Values, and Knowledge. Just as the roots of a tree need nurturing, so do these pillars require our conscious effort, thoughtful guidance, and most importantly, the wisdom of Sai-centric spiritual insights.

Health is the first pillar, the foundation upon which a child’s life is built. As parents, we wield the power to influence our children’s Thoughts, which in turn shape their Emotions, leading to their Actions and ultimately, their Results. By instilling healthy habits through simple daily routines—like sharing a morning walk or preparing nutritious meals together—we impart lifelong lessons. A heartfelt story from my practice highlights this: a family I worked with decided to turn their kitchen into a space for joyful learning, where the children helped prepare meals, learning the importance of nourishment. This act not only educated them about health but also deepened their familial bonds.

Relationships form the second pillar, where love and communication blossom. In my own parenting journey, there have been countless moments where understanding and patience were my guiding lights. Cultivating emotional regulation and empathy through stories and conscious communication can transform how our children connect with the world. Swamy’s teachings remind us that every interaction is an opportunity to sow seeds of love and compassion. A simple act of seva, or service, with your child—perhaps visiting a local shelter—can plant in them the virtue of empathy.

The third pillar is Financial Values, instilling in our children an appreciation for wealth as a means to serve rather than a goal in itself. Through value-based upbringing inspired by Swamy’s teachings, we guide them towards gratitude and responsibility. Gratitude journaling with your child can be a profound practice, nurturing an appreciation for the abundance already present in their lives, and teaching them to make thoughtful choices with their resources.

Knowledge, the fourth pillar, is both a gift and a pursuit. Encouraging children to see learning as a lifelong journey imbues them with curiosity and resilience. By incorporating Swamy’s teachings within their education, through stories or spiritual lessons, we nurture their inner strength and sense of purpose. This approach to knowledge fosters not just intellectual growth but also the shaping of their character.

I recall a family striving to balance discipline with love. They learned to correct behavior with understanding rather than punishment, a gentle practice that fostered trust and respect. It is in these moments, where we guide with a loving heart, that we truly build the foundation of a child’s character.

In closing, I find solace and guidance in the words of Sai Baba: “The end of education is character.” Let us remember that every step we take with our children, in spirit and practice, shapes the individuals they become.

Please share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comment box below. I read every comment with love and deep respect.