The writer explains the fundamentals of the sacred duty of child-rearing, emphasising the joy and responsibility of nurturing children in a supportive environment.
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Child-rearing is not only a source of great joy and reward, but also a sacred obligation. The training which children first receive at home constitutes the strongest foundation for their future development. A caring and supportive environment is necessary for the full and harmonious development of the child’s personality.
According to the Bahá'í Writings: “…it is in early childhood that a firm foundation must be laid. While the branch is green and tender it can easily be made straight”.
The positive values that guide children throughout their lives are formed during the early years of their lives with their families. The degree to which children form healthy relationships with others is also determined during that important period. It is in the family that children learn to love, to be tolerant and to act with justice. And it is in the family that children are prepared to confront the challenges of life.
But unfortunately it is also in the family that children can receive harmful influences such as a tendency to be unjust, to act violently, to be fearful, to be prejudiced, to dominate others, or to be self-centered.
The Bahá’í Writings urge us to take “the utmost care to give them high ideals and goals, so that once they come of age, they will cast their beams like brilliant candles on the world, and will not be defiled by lusts and passions…but instead will set their hearts on achieving everlasting honour and acquiring all the excellences of humankind”.
Our children need to be nurtured spiritually. They should not be left to drift unguided in a world so laden with moral dangers. Spiritual education is essential for the victory of the child’s spiritual nature over their lower nature.
An appropriate moral and spiritual education, in addition to intellectual education, plays an important role in facilitating a spirit of cooperation and harmony, as well as of service to others.
Such a spirit of cooperation and service must, of course, be towards people of all backgrounds. Children must be taught about the oneness of humanity, the need to consider the entire human race as members of one family, and to be just towards all.
According to the Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith: “Children must be so raised as to regard every soul, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or any other affiliation, as a fellow human being and to hold dear the words [of Bahá’u’lláh] that capture the spirit of the age: “The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch”.
The type of education we provide for our children should make it possible for them to function effectively in an integrated world society. It should be the kind of education which will enable them to live in harmony and peace, in an atmosphere of understanding, dialogue, and respect for others.
Through intellectual education, spiritual guidance and proper discipline, all children have the capacity to achieve their highest potential and direct their energy and talents towards the advancement of civilization.
* For feedback please contact: secretary.nsa@bahai.org.za or (011) 801 3100.
* Websites: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za