The right to be wrong

Work is so important to a person's existence that very early in life children are already asked, "Ano gusto mong maging?" (What would you like to become?) Such a casual-sounding question may stimulate a child's imagination, resulting in answers that adults may often find amusing. When we send our children to school we are actually preparing them for work in adulthood, right? But are parents always the best directors of children's work paths?

Satisfaction from work plays a great role in overall happiness in life. The "wrong" kind of work can cause a lot of problems for one unable to see the real meaning of work-whatever work. Parents sometimes do not see that they could be liable for their children's dissatisfaction at work and subsequent unhappiness in life. This happens when parents, due to over-enthusiasm perhaps, dictate to their children ("Take up medicine; look at your uncle, he's so rich now!") without listening to them with empathy.

Wise are the parents who realize that they can only be the "directors" of their children's lives up to a certain point. Time comes when no matter how careful, prudent and well-intentioned parents are, children must claim independence from their parents' wishes and insist on their right to be wrong. They most valuable preparation for work, therefore, that parents can give their children is to raise them steeped in the truth about the parenthood of God-that we are all children of a Father who loves us and wants us to do everything with love as well. Using God's love for us as a compass in our work path, we are assured not only of satisfaction but of fulfillment as well, not only of happiness but also of joy. And parents will heartily smile when they hear their child say, "Don't worry, folks, I'm in the Father's house and He's my boss!"