by Lolito Tampus

Created on: November 11, 2010

There are sorrows and joys when teaching our children towards the right path in life. The sad thing is that, with all our struggles and sacrifices, we cannot always savor a favorable result. One contributing factor is that, we, ourselves are not fitted to act as homilists, since as a person, we too have a lot of misgivings. " We cannot give, what we don't have", as the saying goes.

Another realization is that, character building is not naturally drawn from genetics, but is acquired from trainings and experiences which are immersed with the actual world. As parents, we are facing against influential giants- the multiform media like television, movies, computers, video games, newspapers, magazines, etc. They can even partake a greater amount of time, money and effort from our very own familial routines.

Then we have the confusing culture, tradition and trends of the people in our neighborhood, community and nation, that often depict conflicting scenarios. It's a heavy burden to untangle every facet of human behavior, that run contrary to our style of family upbringing and management. We have to seek the best strategies that our children's friends who may have questionable backgrounds should not win the hearts of our innocent wards. For example,  I have tried my best, time and time again, to inculcate that ' home is always a sweet home ', and its awkward to stay and sleep in other's house.

But there is still a hanging consolation, that our children are smart, selective or discriminating enough, to decipher what is right and what is wrong, in the eyes of God and in the laws of man. They still can absorb desirable lessons in life that will eventually benefit them in the long run. Our children as they grow, develop righteous concepts and sensitivity on the actions and traits of others that affect them. They glean ideas from the admirable actuation of our workers in the government, church and school. With my subtle guidance, I strived to remain fair, transparent and consistent in presenting acceptable virtues.

Teaching our children needs a meticulous methodology, just like what teachers do in school. I have to be the best friend and confidante, as much as possible. I don't impose my domineering identity, in order to gain respect and obedience. Instead, I have to be respectful and be obedient  to them too. Just like in any organization, I have to be both, a good leader and a good follower. I should know their likes and dislikes, moods and ambitions.

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