Thread by @KapilGuptaMD

FREEDOM IN PARENTING

The only way that a parent can be free is to not be attached

The only way that a parent cannot be attached, is by experiencing the enormous pain of attachment

We want our children to be successful

However, when we really examine this we find that our need for their success is a reflection of our own ego

The best teaching is non-teaching

The ultimate teaching is to become a living example

The idea of legacy is an imprisoning idea

To need one's children to carry on the family name creates enormous anxiety

What name exists after a man is dead?

If the man himself is gone, of what use is his name?

Children are a reflection of their parents

But if parents try to make them so, they will suffer endlessly

All relationships are fundamentally human to human

Categories are a distant second

There are many variables that determine if a parent and child get along

Some are the result of parenting, some are not

If they get along, this is wonderful

If they do not, it must be accepted for what it is

(It will take many years of pain in coming to terms with the latter)

A parent pays a hefty price for not overcoming his own luxuries

The luxury to say what he wants with no perceived consequence

The luxury to treat the child as he feels like without perceived consequence

All debts eventually come due

In order to be free as a parent, one must do from his own heart

Knowing full well that all his doings may or may not be reciprocated

Parenting is unlike any other relationship in human existence

One may toil and sacrifice for their children from the crib to the marriage aisle

And he may be slighted for his efforts

This must be seen clearly from the very beginning

(Though few will believe it to be true)

Give all you can to your children

And be prepared to walk away empty-handed

This will leave you with no regrets

Where there is love, there can be no attachment

Where there is attachment, there can be no Freedom

Namaste.