My Father's Teachings

"Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." (Proverbs 1:9)

Being home means spending lots of time with my parents. What I appreciate about my parents is that they are very kind and down-to-earth. I love them and admire them so much.

My dad has given me much useful advice on life. I thought that it would be a good idea to share it in my blog. Even though he only studied until 4th grade, his wisdom, hard-work and determination has made him a very successful man. Much of his teachings come from his life experince. However, I find that much of his principles are influenced by Confusius and Lao-Tze. Real wisdom derives from distinguishing what is right and wrong, and choosing to do what is right. Therefore, keep your moral compass strong.

Here are some of his advices that he has been teaching me since I was a small child. They didn't make much sense until I've reached early adulthood. I wished I heeded his advice earlier on, but it's never too late.

"Don't think too much. Life is pretty simple. Be a good person and you will experience good things."

"Don't be lazy or you will be despised by people."

"People don't like it when others are better than them. It's part of their nature. Therefore, be humble and sincere."

"Don't brag or boast about your possessions or accomplishments. People will envy you and hate you for that."

"Never owe anything to anyone. Pay your debts on time."

"Always think about the other person's needs first. Always yield and be kind."

"Never take advantage of people. People are not dumb. If you take advantage, you will lose their trust."

"Family should always be priority. Money comes and goes, but family always stay."

"Angry people do not accomplish much in life. Learn to tame your anger. To lose your temper is to lose respect."

"You don't have to be really smart or beautiful to be successful. Most successful people are successful because they are hard-working, honest and determined."

"Keep all your promises or you will lose credibility."

"Work hard and help people out. Respect is earned...not a given."

"Be honest and never lie or cheat. If someone entrusted a task to you, do it well. To be lazy is cheating."

"Treat people well and they will treat you well back. If not, kill them with kindness. Good will always be stronger than evil."

"Make sure you live a balanced life. Eat well, rest well, work hard. Arrange your time well and you will live well."

"Be happy and enjoy life."

Education in school may give you skills that will later help you in your professional life. But education in the family leaves a legacy behind. Your parents play an integral part in shaping your principles, values and world view. Sadly, parents nowadays are too busy to educate their children and leave this job to educators. But keep in mind that teachers will never be able to replace their role as a parent.

The lack of effort in parenting shows in children's behaviour. Children nowadays lack discipline and are more self-centered than previous generations. If we are not willing to assume responsability and sacrifice our time, it may affect a whole generation.

I have always believed that children are our best investment. Parents should put more effort in educating and spending more time with their children.