I think we learn the most valuable lessons before we turn 10. I know that I did. These lessons, albeit very simple, are so fundamental that they can be applied to any situation or circumstance. Moreover, I have found that whenever I forget these lessons, I always repent. Here are some of such early childhood lessons:
Childhood Lesson One
Count to ten – This one is about controlling temper. Recently, I wrote an email to a colleague, who gave me the feedback that it was very rude. I couldn’t understand it… after all I had mentioned only facts that were correct. What had gone wrong, however, was that I had jotted down the email while I was still irritated. And although the email was based on facts, the irritation was palpable. I had forgotten to count to ten before I wrote that email.
Childhood Lesson Two
Carry your own burden – This can be applied to various things… from carrying my laptop from the car to my workstation to being financially independent. The moment you start holding someone else responsible for your comforts or happiness, you’re in trouble.
Childhood Lesson Three
Don’t litter – The simplest use of this lesson is to keep your room and city tidy. But it should really be applied to everything. It’s good to take some time out to clean your desktop and cleanse your heart… both have the tendency to gather unwanted stuff.
Childhood Lesson Four
Don’t hurt people – There’s an old saying – sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me. The truth, in fact, is that the words we speak have the power to do irreparable damage. Be sensitive. The other thing about not hurting “people” is that we often forget to count ourselves. I think I have caused myself more pain than anyone has… or can. So, be kind to yourself, forgive yourself and do things that make you genuinely happy.
Childhood Lesson Five
Two wrongs don’t make a right – Someone having hit me is not reason enough to hit the person back. What I do are my deeds. Yes, there is a time to fight back and there is a time to endure. The choice can not, however, be judged by what another person chooses to do. That’s simply because what I choose to do makes me the person that I am.
sweet post… childhood lessons shape our life significantly. One of the lessons I remember learning in my childhood was keeping back things from where I had taken them.
Amen… if only I could teach my child to do that!
This is a very sweet post. I loved the simplicity and depth in this post. It took me back to some fundamental lessons my parents taught me during childhood and I realize how important it is now:
1. Never ask or judge a person by his social status, color and religion/caste.
2. Love God and all religions as your own.
3. Help ever, hurt never.
4. The more you love and help others to find happiness, the closer you become to God.
5. Work is the best form of worship. So, work hard and eat your bread with the salt of your sweat.
I live by these lessons and though I falter at times, these lessons have helped me to grow myself as a person. Thank you for helping me remember the value of these lessons through your post. My only sadness is that I am not sure I’ve not been able to share these lessons with my son yet.
Thanks Swapna… Dont worry about teaching your son. Kids learn more from your actions than your words. I can relate you to all the 5 points you have written and I am sure Adi will learn them from you
Nice post. I took a copy of this. All my persona is based on the principles my father taught me . It guides me through my life. Something else I remember is never even look at anybody else’s money even when they are counting. Accept other’s beliefs. Don’t lie.
Great post !
Thanks Krishnaleela… I have to share with you that my daughter’s name is Leela
You comment made me feel fantastic. I simply love the lesson you wrote about money.
very useful post…
Thanks Garima
Another childhood lesson that I can remember is “Chew your food, don’t swallow it.” It’s amazing how there were some nursery rhymes around this theme. And it’s funny how in the fast food generation, we just grab a bite. We grow and forget that we had to chew it.