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Sai Parenting Initiative

Plant in those tender hearts the seeds of love, sympathy, truth, justice, charity, compassion, repentance and self-control . That is the prime duty of all who deal with children. When the father asks the child to tell someone at the door that he is not at home, or...reply to a phone call, that he has gone out; the vice of dishonesty is implanted in the child. Do not burden the tender brains with all kinds of lumber, information that can never be put to use, facts that warp and twist truth, etc. Teach them only as much as they can use beneficially and as much as can be of direct help to them in their lives. Train character more than brains. The parents first and foremost, the teachers next, the comrades, playmates and companions next, and the various levels of society later, these shape the character of the children, and the destiny of the country. 

Sri Sathya Sai Baba on January 19, 1969, SSSS vol 9, #2 

As the primary role models and sculptors of a child’s personality, parents have a profound influence on their child’s spiritual growth. They play a pivotal role in cultivating an environment that nurtures the blossoming of human values. Therefore, since the inception of Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) classes in the United States, there has been a concerted effort to involve parents.  

 

The lasting impact of the SSE program heavily relies on active parent engagement. A study revealed that public school teachers influence children 17% of the time, SSE teachers 1%, and parents the remaining 82%. This underscores the critical role parents play in reinforcing the lessons learned in SSE classes. The effectiveness of SSE teachings depends on parents’ support, participation in SSE activities, and their willingness to practice and reinforce these teachings at home.  Experience has shown that children’s attendance in SSE classes significantly improves when meaningful parent programs are available.  

 

Recognizing the need for forums where parents can share challenges and gain collective wisdom, many Regions and Centers have organized parenting workshops and webinars to support parents in their journey. To further this effort, the National Sai Parenting Initiative was launched on November 23, 2024, to support SSE centers in their commitment to: 

a) Fostering Parent Engagement and Involvement in SSE 

  • Encourage parent participation in class observations, reinforcement of life applications and teachings at home, and active involvement in service activities, plays, and class outings. 

b) Hosting Monthly Sai Parenting Circle  

  • Create a space to discuss challenges and explore topics relevant to spiritual parenting within the framework of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings. 

c) Conducting Annual Parenting Workshop Series 

  • Organize six workshops focusing on self-transformation through the journey of parenting. 

For additional information, please contact your Center or Regional Educational Coordinator.