awareness talks

I remember a moment when my own daughter was just a toddler, still discovering the world with her wide, curious eyes. As both a pediatrician and a parent, those early years were filled with daily wonders and challenges. One evening, as I was soothing her to sleep with a gentle lullaby, I felt a profound connection, not just to her, but to every child whose path I’d crossed in my practice. This intimate dance of parenting, I realized, was as much a journey of spirituality and self-discovery as it was one of nurturing young lives.

This reflection brings me to the concept of Sai-centric Parenting, a philosophy grounded in the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It centers around nurturing a child’s Four Pillars of Life: Health, Relationships, Financial Values, and Knowledge—all through the lens of the T.E.A.R. Formula: Thoughts, Emotions, Actions, and Results.

Let us begin with Health, the foundation upon which all else stands. Health starts in the mind, where thoughts influence emotions, dictating daily actions such as diet and exercise. As parents, we guide our children through conscious communication; explaining the importance of nutritious foods and physical activity with love and clarity. Inspired by Swamy’s teachings, routine health practices become opportunities for discipline and joy rather than tasks or obligations.

Once, a young boy under my care—a vibrant and energetic soul—struggled with frequent illnesses due to poor diet choices. We embarked on a journey with him and his family to transform their kitchen into a place of healing rather than difficulty. Over time, as he learned the significance of what he ate, his health blossomed, showing how emotional regulation and conscious decisions lead effectively to healthy habits and resilience.

The second pillar, Relationships, is cultivated by teaching children the significance of empathy and service, or seva. Encouraging them to assist someone in need—even in small, simple ways—brings them closer to understanding their own emotions and the feelings of others. This understanding fosters deep, meaningful connections. I recall a family who shared how gratitude journaling became a cherished nightly routine, enriching their children’s emotional intelligence and appreciation for others.

Financial Values are the third pillar, essential for preparing our children to navigate the material world with wisdom. This, too, is shaped by thoughts and emotions. Discussions about the value of money, saving, and sharing become seeds sown for future integrity and generosity. A poignant memory from my practice is of a family who introduced their children to saving and sharing through a ‘giving jar,’ teaching them both humility and responsibility, inspired by the teachings of Swamy on simple living and high thinking.

Finally, Knowledge, the beacon that illuminates the path forward, is nurtured through a value-based education. Encouraging curiosity and learning in everyday life helps children connect their actions with desired results. This can be as simple as exploring nature, reading together, or engaging in philosophical discussions that stir their innate wisdom.

Discipline, always with love, is crucial across all the pillars. When tempered with understanding and compassion, it becomes a tool to cultivate strength of character rather than a source of fear or rebellion. Strengthening moral values through daily interactions reinforces the path laid before them by Swamy’s teachings.

In closing, allow Sai Baba’s words to resonate in your heart: “The end of education is character. Without character, wealth, education, and social status are of no avail.”

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