Social media for parents: 5 powerful ways to lead by example

February is the month of love yet this has also been a month of great pain for Indians across the world. Even as we pay respect to our brave martyrs in Pulwama, we are also witnessing great anger, grief and sorrow across the country. This rage is spilling on to social media platforms too.[READ: Lost someone you loved?] and [READ: The Wisest Lesson I learned in 2018]

Let's remember that our brave men in the defence forces are not the only ones to have made a supreme sacrifice for the motherland. Their families too deserve our love, care and respect, for they too make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation - they are the champions who hold their heads high for the nation. We owe them more than our words can ever convey. We owe them decency. We owe them basic humanity.

But there's one thing we need to do. It's our duty to the nation and to ourselves.

Here it is:

Don't spread hatred or fake news.

Don't share gory images that may not be authentic in the first place.

Do not share irresponsibly.

Your actions on social media have grave legal consequences.

The more we read WhatsApp forwards, tweets and FB LIVE on the subject by multiple people, the more hatred and mis-information is amplified.

In the midst of such a grave situation in the country, it is important to exercise self-restraint and value our time and that of others. Let's not forget that, as parents, we also set an example to our children.

By valuing time and choosing what to focus on responsibly, we leave with our children a positive and lasting legacy.

We teach them to choose their battles responsibly and not to pick fights over matters that concern the nation's sovereignty.

[FOLLOW MY BOARDS ON PINTEREST]

A quick check list to sum up how NOT to post on social media:

1. Avoid speculation on social media about what the Indian defence forces should do or not do.

2. Do not spread hatred and fake news.

3. Do not make apologies for terrorists.

4. Avoid social media debates on an issue that pertains to the country's defence forces and the government.

5. Make sure that you share information responsibly on social media platforms.

Ask yourself first, "What value do I add to my conversations by sharing this?"

A fine way to help would be to volunteer for a good cause pertaining to the armed forces.

Make donations for the well being of the martyrs and their loved ones.

Do something creative. Sing a song. You can write a poem, make a painting, get involved in a creative project that makes you feel better and at peace with what is happening around you.

As parents, we have many choices on how to calibrate our reactions.

The best that we can do for the nation is to avoid spreading hate, act in the interest of the country and do what is best for our children by setting an example.

What else should parents consider while sharing social media posts?

Do share your views on this!

Comments

Most LOVED Posts

Best time to light diya

Want to know when is the best time to light diya or deepam at home? In most Hindu homes, 'deepam' or 'diya' is lit at least twice - once in the morning and then in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. Clay diyas are auspicious for lighting at home. On Fridays, it is considered auspicious to use ghee in a silver lamp. READ: Which type of Diya is good for your home What does Deepam represent? Attukal Pongala Story of Shivaji ] When Should I Start Lighting Diyas? The symbolic shift begins from darkess to light. Therefore, in the evenings, light diya before sunset to usher in divine blessings into your home. What is the purpose of lighting a diya? Light dispels darkness. When we light a diya, we bring light into our hopes and positive energy in our personal spaces. Nothing is more beautiful than Light. At what time should we light diya today? Every morning at sunrise and every evening before or at sunset. ...

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences. [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste. You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...

Does something bad happen if the diya goes off?

Is it bad if a diya goes off? This is a frequently asked question among people who light the evening lamp or diya regularly in their puja room. [READ: How To Light Deepam at Home and Why Malayalis Light Nilavilaku ] [Image by Sachin Yadav @ Pixabay] Why Did My Lamp Suddenly Turn Off? Where there is faith, there should be no scope for fear - this is Bhagawan Krishna's message to Arjun on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. That represents strength of Bhakti. [READ: Bhakti: Meera's Greatest Wealth] Consider another example in the tradition of Bhakti. When Prahlada, a young lad, is targeted by his own father, he remains calm under every situation. When he is thrown into the sea, the wise lad is reminded that the sea is the abode of Shriman Narayana. [ READ: Amazing Stories of Lord Shiva ] H...

Which type of Diya is good for home?

Curious to know which type of diya is good for home? In most Hindu homes, the diya is lit twice a day - once in the morning and thereafter in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. However, clay diyas are also considered auspicious for lighting at home. [READ: What does Deepam represent? ] For special occasions such as engagement or festivals and on Fridays in particular, silver is considered as a symbol of prosperity, peace and abundance. Lighting a silver lamp is believed to invite Goddess Mahalakshmi's presence into one's home. Other metals such as copper are not usually used for lamps though copper is considered to be ideal for purposes of healing. [ READ: Significance of Om ] Benefits of Lighting Deepam Every Day Light eradicates darkness. We cannot begin to imagine how lighting a deepam brings in more serenity and positivity, not just in our homes, but even in our minds, the way we think and react over small ...

Ayyappanum Koshiyum movie review: Outstanding film! Biju Menon outshines Prithviraj Sukumaran like never before

Ayyappanum Koshiyum movie review: After blockbuster hit 'Seniors', Malayalam film director Sachy is back in full throttle with Prithviraj-Biju Menon starrer 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum' , a thorough and gripping entertainer. [Malayalam movie: Seniors by Sachy - Watch and get back in Campus!] [Image: Prithviraj Sukumaran's Facebook page] With its gripping narrative, crisp dialogues, outstanding performances and haunting BGM that creates a real mood, the film 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum' left me completely spell-bound. Truth be told, I watched it till about 2 AM on Amazon Prime video. Biju Menon and Prithviraj Sukumaran, are outstanding in every scene. Every dialogue and scene between the two actors swings between light-hearted, humorous nuances that take down our society's mask and a blazing, raw intensity that makes you feel deeply for the two warring...

Petals!

Search This Blog