The Cap-seller story from Aesop’s Fables and the Panchatantra for kids is quite popular. We all have learnt it in our good old school days. our teachers demonstrated the actions. We picked it from them and proudly narrated whenever we had guests at our place. The cap-seller story contains a great idea. It is a great help for us as kids but more importantly as adults especially as parents.

Cap-seller on saving electricity

Quite often we adults forget to switch off the lights or fans when not in use. But If the child forgets we would usually remind them time and often to switch off lights. We would talk about saving electricity, saving on bills and all. Children feel very unfair of this behavior of parents.

The solution.

WE tried the point system. , where the one who diligently switched off (when not in use) gets a point. But scores double points if you switched off when the other forgot. Tally the score on Saturday. Scored least point? Get a cake or a dessert for the team. Each of us would be very careful to gain points but more for the double whammy.

Now , switching off the lights or fans is unforgettable for all at home.

Cap-seller for reading ?

Reading is very boring mom..says my daughter. Why wouldn’t it be? If I hit the bed surfing my cell-phone for whatever valid reasons, children would obviously want to do the same.

SO WE set a kind of rule applicable for all. NO cell phones in the bed-room.Initially it was difficult to follow for us too. But we started with story book. Read a story. Reflect over it. Share our thoughts and opinions and the kids would slowly drift in to sleep. Our habits too changed, from cellphones to books.

Food habits can change..thank you cap seller…

Want them to eat healthy?Set an example. Drop junk food. Start consuming healthy food. The kids too will do the same.

Children tend to imitate the parents. The cap-seller couldn’t retrieve his caps until he dropped his caps. Showing is better than telling.

Constant Comparing with the other kids ,slowly demotivates them. They too do the same.,comparing the parents with those of the freinds ,making parenting a difficult task.

Want them to be a good listener? Hear their funny, weird stories without judging them . They will do the same not just at home but outside too,with peers, during play or in class.

Constantly encourage them, appreciate for the positive change in them, trust them.. they will do the same not just as children but even when they grow up as adults. This makes a lot of difference to a co-worker or as a Manager to a sub-ordinate.

Above all…

Important value – TRUST GOD. TRUST THE CREATOR. PRAYER , CONVERSATION WITH GOD, IN TIMES OF DIFFICULTY OR PAIN, GRATITUDE FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS RECEIVED, CARE FOR NATURE. THE CHILD OBSERVES THE PARENTS AND FOLLOWS AND PRACTICES ACCORDINGLY. THIS GOES A LONG WAY IN LIFE AND IS A VERY IMPORTANT SUPPORT FOR THE CHILD FOREVER IN HIS LIFE.

cap seller on God

LET ME PRACTICE IT FIRST, SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THEM TO FOLLOW. ONLY THEN SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THEM……..

Parents, like a cap-seller have a wonderful role to play, not just for the child but the society at large. Like the cap seller lets impart good values to our kids, but ,LET ME PRACTICE IT FIRST, SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THEM TO FOLLOW.