In this article we look at providing a strong Hindu environment for our children. We are all familiar with the old adage “you can’t straighten a bent tree.”. With this in mind, it is crucial parents educate their children about Hinduism from a tender age. There are two extremely important reasons for this. Firstly psychologists are of the view that children learn and retain the most from the ages 2-5. So those of us parents who subscribe to the view that “ the chirren too small yet, leh them play”, must now change our thinking.
Early speech of young children should include the words, ‘Om’, ‘Sitaram’, ‘Shanti’, simple kirtans and mantras. We can also inculcate within them actions like rising early, offering jal( water-offering), bowing to feet of God and parents. Taking them to the temple is a must because this is the place where they can engage in Hindu activities, especially if little of this is being done at home. Children may start off playfully shouting mantras and bhajans, but soon enough their practices will blossom in serious meaningful living.
I will share two examples that I find beautiful that describes actions of two children under six years. On the occasion of the birthday of one of them, the mother asks, “Do you want to go for pizza or Movietown.” The child responds, “I want to do a pooja. The second child gets up earlier than the adults, races to the yard to get her share of flowers to offer to God, even if it involves leaving none of the limited supply for the rest of family.
I remember ShankacharayaPt. Hari Prasad saying if we are greedy, we should be greedy for God’s blessings. This little child is already following this principle, without even hearing such advice
Secondly, there are five aspects of ourselves, or who we are. Three of these are: the Physical Self, Social Self and Ideal Self. Our Physical self is not only our body but also includes a picture we carry in our mind called our body image. Parents can strongly influence their children’s body image to reflect that of a Hindu simply by dressing their young in Hindu attire for appropriate functions and making them proud to sport their raksha, sindoor, bindi etc. Constant and sustained reinforcement of a Hindu look will help our children to get a positive physical reflection of themselves and to also mentally perceive their physical appearance in a positive way.
Body image helps our children to develop their identity. Identity gives us our place in the community, the society, the world. Projecting a Hindu physical identity for our children might be a deterrent to the many culture ‘bandits’ out there who may just realise “ I won’t get through with this one so easily.” If we as parents help our children to develop a positive Hindu body image, we will be saving them from the unpleasantness of an identity crisis so many Hindu youths today are experiencing.
Mrs. Mala Persad
