There's a great misconception in the society called 'Book Learning' which the majority feels is the way forward to building a better society.
The true concept of education is a coherent process of developing one's capacity in all aspects of life which is directly linked to a practice component that is expected to contribute to the constructive processes of society and the ever-advancing civilization.
In addition to the concept of acquiring proper education, good character is the key.
Abdul Baha says Good Character must be taught. He also said that a good education is important in developing societies.
Having a good character is more important than book learning because a child with a good character is of service to others. It is best when a child has both good character and good education.
Character training is the job of the family while book learning is the work of the school. Both the family and the school should help one another to train children.
In assisting children to grow up with good character it is important to avoid the extreme that character training cannot wait until a child goes to school. It must begin when a child is very young so that he will be both learned and good.
Thoughts for further reflection for the service-minded individual:
Why is a good character more important than book learning?
How can the family and the school work together to train children?
When we want a tree to grow straight and tall, we must make sure from the very beginning that the tree is growing straight. Once a tree becomes crooked it cannot be made straight. Children must also be trained properly from the very beginning.
By saying prayers for our children before they are born and when they are babies, we can help our children to grow spiritually. As soon as children can talk, they can be taught to say prayers. Mothers must make sure that their children learn the difference between right and wrong. Children must also be taught such qualities as love, truthfulness, honesty, patience, service, and cooperation.
I keep on wondering how can mothers help their children to grow spiritually and what must we teach our children to help them to have good character.
Character Training Must Be Continued as Children Grow Older.
Parents must continue training the character of their children throughout childhood. Abdul Baha tells parents that they must counsel and guide their children for many years.
Developing good character takes a long time. Our patient's guidance is needed to help children learn the key habit of prayer, the difference between right and wrong, and the divine qualities. These things are easier to learn when children are young. It is very difficult to change a person's character after he has grown up.
Questions for Further Reflection at Home:
Why is it important to start teaching children when they are young?
Why is it important to teach children over a long period?
Why is it important to teach good character before children are grown?
We must be a good example for our children. We must show them the right way to act. If we are truthful, our children will learn to be truthful. If we are generous, our children will learn how to be generous. If we are not prejudiced, our children will learn to love all people.
One practical approach to nurturing children with good character is to be a role model for them. The family unit is such an essential part of society that has to be strengthened to establish a better society. Parents are key and should be role models for the children.
You can teach children by being a good person and by patiently guiding their behavior. Another way to teach children about spiritually uplifting and educative stories. Stories are an excellent way to teach children. You may now be using stories to teach children and make them happy. You can use stories you know or the stories included in this book to teach your children about some of the good qualities of God.
Many of the stories of the divine educators are so enriching. When we use stories about the divine educators such as our Jesus Christ, the prophet Mohammed, The Bab, Baha'u'llah, Budha, etc the children must learn about their love for humanity and learn to love them too.
Children must always feel happy about the divine educators. We must never use stories of these divine figures or talk about them in a way that makes children feel bad or afraid.
There is this wonderful quote from the Baha'i Writing that says 'Teaching and Training of Children is the most meritorious of service that one could render to the Almighty God.
