tuesday's teachings

reward and punishment:

"be carful of rules for your children.

rules diminish responsibility.

be carful of rewards for your children.

rewards diminish self-esteem.

be carful of punishments for your children.

punishments diminish trust. 

let lessons be imposed 

by the nature of things,

not by your own agendas

or your own needs. 

integrity will replace rules.

contentment will replace striving.

spirituality will replace religion.

songs will replace arguments.

dances will replace battles.

don't tell me this is overly simple. 

perhaps the most courageous act

will be that moment 

when, even though it breaks your heart, 

you stand aside 

and let your children 

take the natural consequences 

of their actions."

words from: the parents tao te ching 

previous tuesday's teachings here!