active listening

Reflecting upon my journey as a pediatrician and a parent, I often find myself drawing from moments that have deeply touched my being. One such moment, years ago, involved a small child who seemed to carry the woes of the world upon her tiny shoulders. When she spoke, the wisdom in her words echoed with a maturity well beyond her years. Her eyes, full of dreams and courage, taught me that children have a unique way of simplifying life’s complexities. I learned from her that nurturing a child is as much about listening as it is about guiding.

In this spirit of learning and growing, I want to share with you insights on Sai-centric Parenting, a gentle approach that fosters a child’s development across the Four Pillars of Life: Health, Relationships, Financial Values, and Knowledge. Each of these pillars is intricately connected through the T.E.A.R. Formula — Thoughts, Emotions, Actions, and Results — offering a pathway for conscious and meaningful parenting.

Health is often the first pillar we think of as parents. Swamy has always emphasized that the body is a temple. As such, instilling good health habits starts early. Regular routines such as morning stretches, nutritious meals with family, and restful sleep are simple yet impactful. Through conscious communication, teach your child the importance of health with compassion rather than coercion. A young patient, Ravi, learned to enjoy his veggies after his mother shared how they make his body strong, like a superhero. We can guide our children by helping them visualize health as a gateway to a life of energy and joy.

Relationships form the core of human existence. We shape our thoughts and emotions through the relationships we nurture. By engaging in emotional regulation — pausing, reflecting, then responding — children learn valuable lessons in empathy and respect. One mother in my practice encouraged her child to maintain a ‘gratitude journal,’ drawing illustrations of moments and people he cherished. This simple activity fostered empathy and gratitude, aligning with Swamy’s teachings on love and service (seva).

In the realm of Financial Valueschildren absorb more than we realize from our own interactions with money. By introducing concepts of savings and charity, through chores or small allowances, we lay a foundation for future financial understanding. Use stories which reflect Swamy’s edicts on selflessness. These stories enable them to see financial decisions through a lens of values rather than mere transactions.

Knowledge is the final pillar, yet it is the thread that weaves through all life. Encourage a thirst for learning through exploration and questioning. Teaching children how to process information critically is essential. In our home, every question was seen as a doorway to understanding the world better. Whether it’s through books, nature, or cultural knowledge, we strive to nurture curiosity and truth-seeking.

A practical approach to entwining these pillars with the T.E.A.R. Formula includes activities like family storytelling sessions, where stories of character and virtue come alive. Encourage your children to partake in seva activities, driving home the importance of community and selflessness. Discipline, when wrapped in love, becomes a gift rather than a punishment, shaping actions and steering results toward compassion and inner strength.

In closing, I recall a profound quote from Sai Baba: “The end of education is character.” These words resonate deeply, reminding us that our efforts in shaping our children’s lives must always align with building character and values.

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