Raising Happy Kids

         BY SONG HAN & SONG JIN, SINGAPORE

         We are grateful that Bodhi Meditation came to us at a time when we faced pressure over our two sons. I was impatient and easily irritated, as I was busy with work and household chores. Song Han was the disciplinarian, and my younger son was afraid of him. He would shut himself in his room and pretend to sleep when his father got home from work.
 

The Turning Point

 

        A teaching by Grandmaster JinBodhi, “The Future of Your Child Is in Your Hands,” struck us. We resolved to change our approach to parenting. After we sought our sons’ forgiveness for our harshness in the past, they were so happy that they hugged and

 

 

        We feel fortunate when we see how our children have transformed into healthy and happy individuals.

     kissed us. We were moved; there was a sense of warmth and lightheartedness. We started to pay attention to the way we communicated with them, and stopped passing judgment quickly. We practiced loving-kindness and gave them encouragement. Now they run to hug us when we come home from work. Our home environment is warm and harmonious.

      During a retreat, a question was asked: “If you were left with 48 hours to live, what would you do?” My answer was: “Be with my sons.” With this mindset, we cherished our time with them every day.

      In the past, we spent a considerable amount of time guiding my younger son in his schoolwork, but he still did not fare well. Our sons often argued and refused to cooperate. We had attended many parent-child programs but saw little improvement.

        Now, although we spend less time tutoring them, they do better in school than before. There was even once when my younger son scored full marks for his test. The brothers get along better now; they even play the piano together. We are happy to see them well-behaved and cooperative. Parenting them in the past had never felt this stress-free.
 

Compassion as the Core Value

 

       We often remind ourselves of the importance of Grandmaster JinBodhi’s core teachings: compassion, empathy, gentleness, harmony, and tolerance toward each other.

       We used to think that good academic results lead to good employment. We have realized that moral education, which includes cultivating compassion, confidence and a sense of responsibility, is paramount. We nurture our children’s social skills and allow them more time with Nature. We feel fortunate when we see how our children have transformed into healthy and happy individuals.

         Our family has received immeasurable benefits. We have been guided to walk a path of peace that has permanently changed our lives. Bodhi Meditation is the key to our happiness and success.

          The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.