"Out there beyond the ideas of right and wrong doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there."

Rumi

We teach our kids to form their own opinions and to be able to take sides on issues. However, when doing this, we need them to know that they do not need to be married to their views. By trying to see both sides of every argument they can avoid the trap of always making judgments and constantly seeing everything as right or wrong. They can then look at situations with compassion and understanding rather than intolerance. And when they have looked at things from all sides they are ready to decide, and when they act on their decision they will act justly and skillfully.

The Value of Service

When I first told my kids that they would be volunteering at an animal rescue mission they thought that I had gone completely mad. They wondered why we would be cleaning animal cages and washing dog dishes for no pay. After the first visit, they could hardly wait for our monthly outing. Kids love to help, but often don't know how. This year, get your children involved in helping out in the community. There are people in nursing homes that would love company or someone to read to them. There are kittens in shelters that need to be played with and cuddled. Be inventive. Once your kids get into the happen of being of service they will likely volunteer all their lives. And they will enrich their own lives and the lives of others.

Time To Wake Up

Most people walk around half asleep, plugged into various devices, checking their texts or simply with their minds on other things. While this is happening, much of life is passing us by. Wonderful and beautiful moments are lost while we are absorbed in other things. Our kids are starting on that path because that is what they have been taught by example. However, we have the chance to help them unlearn these habits by becoming mindful and returning to the moment. A simple bell rung occasionally in class, or a clap of the hand, can be a reminder for all of us to stop for just a moment and return to the present. Slowing our pace down and truly enjoying what we are doing is another way for kids to learn mindfulness. Think of other ways you can help bring your kids and yourself back to the moment, brainstorm with your students. Allowing youth to develop the practice of mindfulness is something that will give true meaning to their lives and help them to savour much of what many people miss.

Breaking Down The Wall

An old legend tells the story of a man who built a garden. When the rain and wind blew, he worried about the garden and built a huge wall and roofed it over. After some time the
plants began to wither and die from the lack of sun and rain. Seeing this, the man tore down the wall and once again the garden flourished. Like the garden, our children need to be able to experience the world without being smothered by our fears. Yes, we will always try to protect them from harm, but we also need to let them take chances, sometimes feel pain and occasionally fall down. By shielding them from every possible hurt, we stunt them and keep them from experiencing all the wonders of life. Let them go just a little bit and see them blossom.

The Wisdom Of The Elders

In most native cultures the elders were revered for their wisdom and experience in life. In many countries throughout the world grandparents lived as part of the extended family. They were invaluable in the rearing and training of children. How many of us can still remember the wonderful stories our grandmothers or grandfathers told us when we were young, and the bond we felt with them? Sadly, much of this tradition has been lost and many kids no longer enjoy the gifts that our elders have to offer. Meanwhile, there are many seniors with wonderful qualities and rich experiences who would be overjoyed to become a part of the lives of our children. Why don't we create a partnership in our schools where our children and the elder citizens of the community can share the joy of learning together? Find ways that seniors can become involved in the school, so they can experience the energy and enthusiasm of our young people. At the same time our children can benefit from their experience, wisdom and patience.

Seeing What Is

Too many of us spend our time worrying about where we should be in our schedule or program. We feel dismay at the fact that the kids are not where we hoped they would be. Often we lament the way the school is run, or complain about the supplies we don't have. It is easy to spend our entire lives upset because things are not the way we feel they are supposed to be. In doing this we miss all of those wonderful moments which occur everyday right under our noses. It takes a lot of courage to accept things for what they are. When we do this we stop our constant complaining and are no longer able to blame others when things aren't quite up to par. Don't confuse this with ignoring problems and doing nothing to improve situations. Rather it is the wisdom of allowing things to be just the way they are at the moment. We then can look clearly around us and decide on where we are going to proceed, without being clouded by wishful thinking and disatisfaction.

St. Francis said it best:
"Grant me the serenity to accept that which I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."

Gratitude

How many people think that life is a constant struggle, that the world owes them something and it usually fails to deliver? How much of this attitude do we pass on to our kids? Realize it is a miracle that you are alive. Remember the beauty of life around you and then help your kids to see the same. Take time during the day to have your kids express gratitude for all that life has to offer. Have them convey gratitude to one another. Don't let the day go by without telling them how much you appreciate them. When you truly see all the blessings you have, your life becomes much more alive and fullfilled. Give your children the opportunity to learn this early in life so that it becomes a way of living.