Seven helps for raising children involve consciousness, caring, communication, consequences, consistency, conservatism and contribution
Part 1 of the 7 C's of Childcare: Consciousness
CONSCIOUS OF KRISHNA
Becoming conscious, living or being in the present, focused, steadiness in determination, mindfulness, self control, self discipline and yoga...these words are now becoming mainstream. These are the awards of sadhana bhakti naturally, which also greatly help one in the duty of parenting. . In other words, disciplining oneself to be there for the children in this world of distraction is the same as being a yogi focused on the Supersoul within. So take care of yourself. Put yourself first both spiritually and materially. Spiritually means sadhana and service and seeking the Absolute Truth with a face. Materially means watching out for your health- getting enough sleep, eating right and so on. This is important because just like when one’s immunity is low, there's more chances of getting sick, similarly things can only get to us and people irritate us when we are not at our best. It's not them. It's not out there. The problem is with ourselves.
Furthermore, becoming conscious, focused, self controlled and steady in determination does not lead to bhakti. Rather it is by developing bhakti these things will naturally develop, by putting one's spiritual progress in life as foremost via following the bhakti path.
Becoming a devotee of Krishna is the best way to help one's family. For one thing, Krishna protects a devotees family, those dear to His devotee (Madhya 15.300p) Even Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya's dog was dear to Lord Chaitanya (Madhya 15.285). "A pure and exclusive devotee of the Lord serves his family interest more dexterously than others, who are attached to illusory family affairs. Generally people are attached to family matters, and the whole economic impetus of human society is moving under the influence of family affection. Such deluded persons have no information that one can render better service to the family by becoming a devotee of the Lord. The Lord gives special protection to the family members and descendants of a devotee, even though such members are themselves nondevotees(!)" SB 1.19.35p
Our job is to encourage their Krishna consciousness as far as possible. “A little advancement on this path can protect one “ “Even a small beginning of such activity finds no impediment, nor can that small beginning be lost at any stage....“Any work begun in Krishna consciousness has a permanent effect, even though not finished. One percent done in Krishna consciousness bears permanent results, so that the next beginning is from the point of two percent.” Do not disturb if they are materially attached but find ways and means to "engage them in acts of devotion" (Bg 3.26).
The most effective way is by setting a personal example. "As far as the material body is concerned, we cannot do anything for anyone. However, by the grace of Krishna, we may raise a person to spiritual consciousness if we ourselves follow the rules and regulations. If we give up our own spiritual activities and simply become concerned with the bodily comforts of others, we will fall into a dangerous position.'-SB 5.8.9p “Authority descends from the author of all existence, the Supreme Lord. Natural figures of authority such as husbands, mothers, government leaders and sages gain their power and authority from the Supreme Lord and should thus represent the Absolute Truth to those who follow them.“ "Unless one practices devotional service himself, he cannot teach it to others. This conclusion is indeed confirmed throughout the Gita and Bhagavatam." -CC Adi 3.21 "One should act in such a way that it should be glorified in the family. The family consideration is very important in Vedic culture. A family does not mean that only a husband, wife, or a few children, no. Family means the generation; that is Vedic conception."- Lecture on SB 1.7.45-46 -- Vrndavana, October 5, 1976
CONSCIOUS OF CHILDREN
Good manners are very important in any relationship. Since all children belong to Krishna, you are Krishna's chosen baby sitter. In other words, treat your children with the same respect and kindness you do to other people's children. If you were or are blessed with watching over or babysitting other people's children, you realize that includes speaking sweet words and showing courtesy and patience. Well, it should be the same with your own children. They don't belong to us. They are not an object for sense gratification of a decorative ornament to add to a house. They are persons and spirit souls.
CONSCIOUS OF DUTY
Duty lies in helping family members regain their original Krsna consciousness. The greatest happiness for a parent is the spiritual success of their children. The gopis said, "Because the flute is engaged in the service of the Supreme Lord, the mother and the father of the flute must be happy. The lakes and the rivers are considered to be the mothers of the trees because the trees live simply by drinking water. So the waters of the lakes and rivers of Vrndävana were in a happy mood, full of blooming lotus flowers, because the waters were thinking, “How is it that our son, the bamboo rod, is enjoying the nectar of Krsna’s lips?” The bamboo trees standing by the banks of the rivers and the lakes were also happy to see their descendant so engaged in the service of the Lord, just as persons who are advanced in transcendental knowledge take pleasure in seeing their descendants engage in the service of the Lord. The trees were overwhelmed with joy and were incessantly yielding honey, which flowed from the beehives hanging on their branches."-KB 21
Part 1 of the 7 C's of Childcare: Consciousness
CONSCIOUS OF KRISHNA
Becoming conscious, living or being in the present, focused, steadiness in determination, mindfulness, self control, self discipline and yoga...these words are now becoming mainstream. These are the awards of sadhana bhakti naturally, which also greatly help one in the duty of parenting. . In other words, disciplining oneself to be there for the children in this world of distraction is the same as being a yogi focused on the Supersoul within. So take care of yourself. Put yourself first both spiritually and materially. Spiritually means sadhana and service and seeking the Absolute Truth with a face. Materially means watching out for your health- getting enough sleep, eating right and so on. This is important because just like when one’s immunity is low, there's more chances of getting sick, similarly things can only get to us and people irritate us when we are not at our best. It's not them. It's not out there. The problem is with ourselves.
Furthermore, becoming conscious, focused, self controlled and steady in determination does not lead to bhakti. Rather it is by developing bhakti these things will naturally develop, by putting one's spiritual progress in life as foremost via following the bhakti path.
Becoming a devotee of Krishna is the best way to help one's family. For one thing, Krishna protects a devotees family, those dear to His devotee (Madhya 15.300p) Even Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya's dog was dear to Lord Chaitanya (Madhya 15.285). "A pure and exclusive devotee of the Lord serves his family interest more dexterously than others, who are attached to illusory family affairs. Generally people are attached to family matters, and the whole economic impetus of human society is moving under the influence of family affection. Such deluded persons have no information that one can render better service to the family by becoming a devotee of the Lord. The Lord gives special protection to the family members and descendants of a devotee, even though such members are themselves nondevotees(!)" SB 1.19.35p
Our job is to encourage their Krishna consciousness as far as possible. “A little advancement on this path can protect one “ “Even a small beginning of such activity finds no impediment, nor can that small beginning be lost at any stage....“Any work begun in Krishna consciousness has a permanent effect, even though not finished. One percent done in Krishna consciousness bears permanent results, so that the next beginning is from the point of two percent.” Do not disturb if they are materially attached but find ways and means to "engage them in acts of devotion" (Bg 3.26).
The most effective way is by setting a personal example. "As far as the material body is concerned, we cannot do anything for anyone. However, by the grace of Krishna, we may raise a person to spiritual consciousness if we ourselves follow the rules and regulations. If we give up our own spiritual activities and simply become concerned with the bodily comforts of others, we will fall into a dangerous position.'-SB 5.8.9p “Authority descends from the author of all existence, the Supreme Lord. Natural figures of authority such as husbands, mothers, government leaders and sages gain their power and authority from the Supreme Lord and should thus represent the Absolute Truth to those who follow them.“ "Unless one practices devotional service himself, he cannot teach it to others. This conclusion is indeed confirmed throughout the Gita and Bhagavatam." -CC Adi 3.21 "One should act in such a way that it should be glorified in the family. The family consideration is very important in Vedic culture. A family does not mean that only a husband, wife, or a few children, no. Family means the generation; that is Vedic conception."- Lecture on SB 1.7.45-46 -- Vrndavana, October 5, 1976
CONSCIOUS OF CHILDREN
Good manners are very important in any relationship. Since all children belong to Krishna, you are Krishna's chosen baby sitter. In other words, treat your children with the same respect and kindness you do to other people's children. If you were or are blessed with watching over or babysitting other people's children, you realize that includes speaking sweet words and showing courtesy and patience. Well, it should be the same with your own children. They don't belong to us. They are not an object for sense gratification of a decorative ornament to add to a house. They are persons and spirit souls.
CONSCIOUS OF DUTY
Duty lies in helping family members regain their original Krsna consciousness. The greatest happiness for a parent is the spiritual success of their children. The gopis said, "Because the flute is engaged in the service of the Supreme Lord, the mother and the father of the flute must be happy. The lakes and the rivers are considered to be the mothers of the trees because the trees live simply by drinking water. So the waters of the lakes and rivers of Vrndävana were in a happy mood, full of blooming lotus flowers, because the waters were thinking, “How is it that our son, the bamboo rod, is enjoying the nectar of Krsna’s lips?” The bamboo trees standing by the banks of the rivers and the lakes were also happy to see their descendant so engaged in the service of the Lord, just as persons who are advanced in transcendental knowledge take pleasure in seeing their descendants engage in the service of the Lord. The trees were overwhelmed with joy and were incessantly yielding honey, which flowed from the beehives hanging on their branches."-KB 21
