In Britain, there existed a family by the name of Edwards, renowned for their intellectual heritage. The patriarch, an erudite philosopher, was known for his rigor and diligence. This family’s lineage boasted 13 university presidents, 100 professors, over 80 writers, more than 60 doctors, an ambassador, and over 20 members who served as politicians.
In stark contrast, the Jukes family of New York tells a different story. The head of the Jukes family was notorious for his drunkenness and gambling and led a life of aimlessness and idleness. Eight generations of this family have included over 300 beggars and vagrants, 400 individuals crippled or deceased due to alcohol abuse, over 60 convicted of fraud or theft, and seven murderers, with not a single individual achieving notable success.
Family values affect generations
The difference between these two families is striking. A child’s future, to a large extent, depends on the caliber of their family and the quality of the early childhood education they receive.
The question arises: How much effort should be invested in family education? This dilemma often perplexes career-oriented mothers. Ideally, a child’s first three years should be under parental care, but dedicating three years to upbringing can significantly impact one’s career. Yet the alternative of not doing so can be heart-wrenching. It’s indeed a tough choice.
Mr. Li Ka-shing, the wealthiest businessman in Hong Kong, said: “No amount of success in one’s career can make up for the failure in raising good children.” We always say that life is tough and justify our hard work as a means to provide a better life for our children. However, what children may need most is your presence. Lost opportunities in early education are irreplaceable. If proper guidance is not provided in the family early on, changing one’s path later in life becomes exceedingly difficult. “Humans are inherently good at birth,” and all children start equally. So why do some grow into well-behaved individuals while others become delinquents?
Parental education is the key. No matter how much money you make or how well your career goes, if you don’t educate your children properly, you will regret it when you are old. Although you don’t have to dedicate all your time to your children, you should not prioritize career and wealth over their upbringing. The famous investor Mr. Wong Jing Sang said: “The essence of blessing is actually a feeling of pursuing happiness and having a meaningful purpose.”
Children are highly malleable in their early years. Like the source of a river, lively and unrestrained, they can be directed toward various paths. The role of education is crucial in determining whether a person becomes useful and accomplished. Children, having no say in their birth, are entirely dependent on their parents’ choices to bring them into this world. This fundamental truth places an inherent responsibility on parents to ensure their families receive love and care, a quality education, and ample companionship during their crucial formative years.
It is often said:
The heart of a child is a remarkable soil:
Sow the seeds of thought and you will reap the harvest of behavior;
Sow the seeds of behavior and you will reap the harvest of habit;
Sow the seeds of habit and you will reap the harvest of character;
Sow the seeds of character and you will receive the harvest of destiny.
Children are reflections of their parents. To cultivate good character in a child, parents must be vigilant in their own behavior, setting an example for their children. Both good and bad behaviors in children are the results of parental influence. The fate of a child lies in the hands of their parents. If parents strictly discipline themselves, set an example, and actively create conditions for their children’s bright future, they too will become great in their own right. No professional achievement can make up for a child’s educational failure.
It’s vital not to overlook a child’s education while being preoccupied with a demanding career. This is true even for wealthy families; relying solely on nannies or tutors is insufficient. To put it bluntly, you cannot replace quality time and emotional engagement with your child with monetary expenditure. The true worth of raising a kind and respectful child lies in the deep satisfaction and peace of mind they bring, which money cannot buy.
Translated by Audrey Wang
