As adults we serve as children's guides for society's future benefit.

We were each a child who grew and became more visible in the world. If we respect children as individuals who have their own thoughts, emotions, and dreams, they will feel good about themselves and in turn respect us. This back and forth respect and communication bridges the generation gap.

We tend to lump children together as one homogenous segment of humanity more often than not, because of their achievements - seeing the individuality of adults rather than the uniqueness of each child.

Meditation for Reflection
Choose a quiet place to sit and begin even and regular breathing such as 2 counts to breathe in and 2 counts to breathe out. Keep up this even rhythm throughout your meditation without actually doing the counting.

After reflection on the following thoughts write out any new insights in your journal for contemplation at a later time and for future review.

Reflection meditation is valuable for your teens to learn too - aiding them to calmly work out sticky situations.

Thoughts for this meditation: For adults, children are our inspirations to act as best we can. Growth is from both sides. The 'adult' is the example and the 'child' inspires the adult to be their best.

Children are impressionable and react rapidly to stimulus. Children as individuals need a general and personalized plan with their schooling to develop their inherent qualities.

Besides academics, children need to learn practical living skills and spiritual practices, providing a foundation to live in society as useful adults.

Children learn best when they see the adults around them modeling what they want the children to learn.

Teenagers walk across a bridge spanning the river of uncertainty, from the security of childhood on one side, to the other side of sole responsibility. It is a swinging bridge, with teenagers swaying at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end, sometimes hanging on precariously along the way, till finally stepping onto the firm ground of independence.

Adults that are around children need to extend a helping hand if teenagers are about to fall; otherwise we should just observe and allow them to master their walk.

The basis for their behavior as teenagers was set before they turned thirteen years old. In the teenage years the fledglings are testing their wings. Adults can guide but not act for teenagers, otherwise they won't reach the end of their bridge to independence, or will be slowed down past the age of twenty.

Parents and teachers should set guidelines for teenage behavior at home and at school, with repercussions made known beforehand.

As adults, we have golden opportunities to inspire and bring out the best in children, our next generation, by our words and actions. Let us, as responsible adults, fully love each other and our children, living as the best examples that we can.

"Children are individuals
soon to be adults
part of our world wide family.
Let's guide their journey
by being the best we can be."

Article and photo credit Susan Kramer

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.