An 80-year-old man was sitting on the sofa in his house chatting with his 45-year-old son. Suddenly a crow(乌鸦) landed on their window edge.
The father asked his son, "What is that?"
The son replied, "That is a crow."
After a few minutes, the father asked his son for the second time, "What is this?"
The son said, "Father, I told you just now. It's a crow."
After a little while, the father asked his son the same question for the third time, "What is this?"
This time, the son said to his father in a low and cold tone, "It's a crow, a crow."
After a moment, the father yet again asked his son for the fourth time, "What is this?"
This time the son shouted at his father, "Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again? I have told you already, 'IT IS A CROW.' Are you unable to understand this?"
A minute later the father went to his room and came back with a diary, which he had kept since his son was born. On opening a page, he asked his son to read that page.
Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa when a crow suddenly landed on the window edge. My son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied him 23 times that it was a crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question. I didn't feel angry at all, but instead felt affection for my son.
If your parents reach old age, do not look at them as a burden, but speak to them gently, and be kind to them. From today say this aloud, "I want to see my parents happy forever. They have cared for me ever since I was a little child. They have always showered me with love. I will respect and take care of my old parents in the best way no matter how they behave."
Today's families are busy. Mom and Dad are both working, the kids are involved in a variety of activities, and there is little time to enjoy being a family. What can you do to build some family unity(和睦)? How can you prevent those you love from not knowing each other? It takes time and patience, but it is definitely possible!
If it's not possible to have them every night, make sure that you eat together as a family at the dinner table at least twice a week. If you need to cut something out of your schedule to achieve this, then do it.
Make a rule that all members of the family are treated with respect. Speaking disrespectfully with others in the family should be forbidden.
Talk to your kids, and really listen. Busy parents are often guilty at not listening to their kids. During your family dinners and game nights, let everyone talk and make the others listen.
Forgive when necessary. If someone has done something wrong, get it out in the open, and then forgive that person. Teach your children how to do this with each other.
A. Have family dinners.
B. Plan a family night now and then.
C. Keep physical contact with your family members.
D. Nothing breaks up family unity faster than a grudge (怨恨).
E. Start by modeling this as a parent, and then apply the rule to your children.
F. With creativity and effort, you can build a closely united family although you are busy.
G. When children know their thoughts or opinions are valued, they will feel closer to their family members.
