All of us have heard of VAT - Value Added Tax. What is needed in today's world is a new kind of VAT - Value Added Teaching.
I was sitting in my child's school, waiting for the PTA meeting to
commence. The Principal hadn't arrived. Around twenty parents had
gathered. Just then I heard an interesting conversation:
Mr. Bijay Parida: "I don't know why they keep stuff like value education as a subject."
Mrs. Malati Ray: "I agree. The marks are not counted for the rank
and unnecessarily the kids have to study a subject that is of no use."
Mr.B.P.: "True, instead the time spent on V.E. can be devoted to Math,
Science or Computers."
Mrs. M.R.: "Right, our children's brains will also develop and they will learn important and useful concepts."
Mr. B.P. and Mrs. M.R.'s erudite views provided food for thought. There was a time
in ancient India when teaching of values was as important as teaching
the art and science of warfare or the nuances of commerce. Vishnu
Sharma, the creator of the immortal Panchatantra, had been engaged by
the king to teach his sons the art of living, and he had done so with
consummate flair by telling fables woven around values. However, in
today's world, where materialism rules the roost, values are being
given the short shrift. They are good enough on election manifestoes,
in speeches of candidates, in school essays or college debates, but in
real life they seem to have little importance.
As Lin Yutang the famous Chinese philosopher says,
"Today we are afraid of simple words like goodness and mercy and
kindness. We don't believe in the good old words because we don't
believe in good old values anymore. And that is why the world is sick."
Strong words but they do ring true don't they?
Internalising of values, like the practice of charity, begins
at home.
It should be a matter of pleasure and privilege for us as parents to
shape our children's values. But how do we do that? The most effective
way is by setting a good example. You have to practice what you preach
or your little one will see through your facade. As Thomas Fuller
wrote, "He does not believe who does not live according to his belief."
But this is easier said than done. Life, with its confusions,
contradictions and chaos takes us on a roller coaster ride where
between the highs and lows we have little time and energy to pause and
ask ourselves, "Am, I a good role model for my child?"
However tough life may be, you must make every effort to be today what
you want your child to be tomorrow.
What are the values you would like to inculcate in your child?
You would like him to internalise every good value, but that is being
rather nebulous. Consider making a list of the values you hold to be
important. Try and practice them yourself, and encourage your child to
follow suit.
