Let’s face it, no matter what you think you can DO for you child or GIVE to your child, when it comes down to the things that matter, the best thing you can do for them is to be passionate about what you do and to be at peace and happy with yourself.  I know what you’re thinking: “I need to be worried about his future! I need to worry if I’m going to have a roof over my head at the same time, next year! Who can think about happiness and peace when we’re experience such an economic collapse?!?!”

It’s very easy for us to be on edge at this time of year. I’ve seen many parents quickly snap at their children over the littlest things — I know as I’ve been guilty myself. We hurry our children along impatiently from here to there.  In this state, we often overlook the wonder and beauty of our children. For parents who are at peace with themselves and find happiness within, they take the time to listen – truly listen! – to their kids, to understand what is important to them, and dare I say – even LEARN from them.

Whenever anyone confides in me that they are worried about what’s happening in the world I often share the advice that was once told to me: “You should not be worried about the things out of your control. You are only along for the ride. Focus your attention on worrying about the things that ARE in YOUR control.”

Being happy and at peace with yourself in such times like this might feel like a bit of a paradox, but it’s also in YOUR control. To help prove my point a bit, I’m going to turn to a poem that I use from time to time in one of the management courses that I teach. It’s a poem that compares being taken for granted versus giving praise.  If you are worried about the economy, our new presidential administration, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the mortgage payments or whatever, take some time out and think how it’s affecting your behavior and your relationship with the people around you — especially your children.

Which House Do You Live In?

“I got two A’s,” the small boy cried.
His voice was filled with glee.
His father very bluntly asked,
“Why didn’t you get three?”

“Mom, I’ve got the dishes done!”
The girl called from the door.
Her mother very calmly said,
“And did you sweep the floor?”

“I’ve mowed the grass,” the tall boy said,
“And put the mower away!”
His father asked him, with a shrug,
“Did you clean off the clay?”

The children in the house next door
Seem happy and content.
The same things happened over there,
But this is how it went:

“I got two A’s,” the small boy cried,
His voice was filled with glee.
His father proudly said, “That’s great!
I’m glad you live with me!”

“Mom, I’ve got the dishes done!”
The girl called from the door.
Her mother smiled and softly said,
“Each day I love you more.”

“I’ve mowed the grass,” the tall boy said,
“And put the mower away!”
His father answered with much joy,
“You’ve made my happy day!”

[Author: Unknown]

Given the stresses of the holiday season which is now upon us, and the news that is filled with depressing reports of bankruptcies, layoffs, terrorism, and threats, now is the time to subscribe to a peaceful and passionate paradox in the world around you.  By doing so, you will teach your children that their happiness is not controlled by what’s going on in the world, it’s controlled by you – by them. Peace and happiness come from what’s inside you – it’s your choice it’s in your control.  Give them a lifelong gift – to be empowered to face whatever future they encounter happily and with peace.  What could be a better gift?