Geethartha Chintane 140: Rising 'Ego' in Children, Declining Respect for Parents

Praising children in their presence is not advisable, as it fosters an inflated ego. Instead, share their achievements discreetly with others if needed. When I was young and scored 98 marks, my teacher praised me, but my father reprimanded me. This motivated me to aim for a perfect score. Had my father praised me then, I might not have worked towards achieving 100 marks. Moreover, I could have developed a sense of pride and superiority.

Today, by celebrating children’s achievements through awards and recognition, we unintentionally boost their ego. Aren’t there countless children in the world who don’t score 98 marks? Acknowledging this reality diminishes the ego that could develop.

Vedanta aims to reduce the human ego. This doesn’t mean children shouldn’t progress, but even minor achievements shouldn’t be exaggerated. Driving work through ego is easy but risky; eliminating ego and inspiring work is challenging yet permanent. Krishna emphasizes what is eternal.

This inflated ego in children is one reason for the declining respect for parents today. When parents say, “Our children are brilliant; we weren’t this smart,” it instills a sense of superiority in children. They begin to think, “What do you know? Why should we respect you?”

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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