Sage of Kanchi –

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Paramacharya !

Paramacharya describes the primary duty of a school going child is to concentrate on his studies, obviously, there will be lots of distractions that can be expected, but he/she must be focused on his/her studies with the constant supervision of parents.  A child should not be introduced to any kind of labor during the tender age, because he is not mentally or physically strong enough to perform heavy tasks.  Humans are innate with impurities like ego, desire, anger, pride and jealous, all the sinful deeds performed in the several births accumulates as huge stack, the purpose of sending a child to school is to get rid of impurities and ignorance, knowledge is the only cure for ignorance.  During the process of learning, a child gets well accustomed to simplicity, humility, kindness, compassion, care, and love, these will wash off all the impurities in him/her.  Knowledge without humility is equivalent to ignorance, a person who is swollen with pride will not get help even from God, therefore intelligence and wisdom followed with humility is essential, it brings happiness and admiration.  Jnana yoga is the superior tool to get away from sins; this will teach a person the difference between pious and wicked deeds.  Introducing personal hygiene in a child is very important, regular bath twice a day will keep the child from skin diseases, cold water bath will revitalize the body and mind, child will get energy to fight against common cold and flu, habit of wearing clean and crisp clothes after bathing, and washing one’s own clothes are good habits.  The purity of mind is essential as bodily hygiene; a child should be introduced to simple religious activities and charitable works, it will keep them away from lies and unknown fears, children should have respect for elders, it is common to commit mistakes but forgiving mistakes and not to repeat the same is the highest of the virtue.  Parents have the right to impose punishments upon a child for their severe mistakes, but they are equally responsible to make the child understand the reasons for implementing such punishments.  Children get easily influenced by jealousy and pride, which can do nothing but harm, during these circumstances parents should make them understand the negative impact of jealousy and redirect their attention to a productive means.  Children should learn to cultivate the habit of friendliness, which could bring great joy in their life, speaking ill of others, mocking others, backbiting and backstabbing these should be avoided thoroughly.   Parents know of their children better than anyone, they should have a constant eye on their disciplines and habits.  It is simple as it is ‘What you sow,  shall you reap’.