The Sunday Mail
EVERY child has the potential to be good, to do well with his or her education and to develop spiritual qualities through proper discipline in a loving and caring atmosphere.
According to the Bahá’í Scriptures, “Every child is potentially light of the world and at the same time its darkness. . . the aim of an educator is to train human souls that their angelic aspect may overcome their animal side”.
The upbringing of children is our responsibility and privilege as parents. It is important that we create in our homes such conditions and an atmosphere, which will be conducive to the material and spiritual welfare and advancement of our children.
The first training, which children receive is at home and is the strongest foundation for their future development. Mothers in particular have a special role to play in the early training and education of children, especially during the first few years of life when the basic values and character of the individual is formed.
According to the Bahá’í Writings: “… it is in early childhood that a firm foundation must be laid. While the branch is green and tender it can easily be made straight”.
Both spiritual and intellectual education is essential for our children to develop to their full potential and for them to be equipped to contribute socially and spiritually to the advancement of our communities. However, special emphasis should be placed on moral and spiritual education.
According to the Bahá’í Scriptures:
“… from the very beginning, children must receive divine education and must continually be reminded to remember their God. Let the love of God pervade their inmost being, commingled with their mother’s milk.”
“Schools must first train the children in the principles of religion … but this in such a measure that it may not injure the children by resulting in ignorant fanaticism and bigotry.”
Combining science and religion, belief and reason will help free our children from religious fanaticism and superstitions. Placing emphasis on learning to think, rather than following adults out of fear, to reflect and reason, rather than to imitate, will motivate them to apply the spiritual laws with understanding and conviction.
The type of education we provide for our children should make it possible for them to function effectively in an integrated world society. It should be the kind of education, which will enable them to live in harmony and peace, in an atmosphere of understanding and respect for others.
Loving our children does not mean that we should leave them without discipline. We cannot simply adopt an attitude of non-resistance towards our children or leave them entirely to their own devices.
According to the Bahá’í Writings: “… Only a relatively very highly evolved soul would always be disciplined by love alone. Fear of punishment, fear of the anger of God if we do evil, are needed to keep people’s feet on the right path. Of course we should love God – but we must fear Him in the sense of a child fearing the righteous anger and chastisement of a parent; not cringe before Him as before a tyrant, but know His Mercy exceeds His Justice!”It is important to reward good behaviour and not only punish the bad behaviour.
Encouragement plays an important role in assisting the children to realise their full potential.
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