Well, so far, none of the End of the World scenarios predicted for September 2015 have happened, though the average number of folks for whom life has ended on any given day has held constant. There are, however, some disturbing signs that humanity is suffering stress, with even small children getting depressed. There are places in the USA where teen suicide is increasing, for instance. How much can a 13 year old know of reality to justify giving up so young?!

I think suicide comes in many forms, too, from specifics to generalizations such as self destructive behaviors. The true figures should probably include car crashes, gang warfare, drug abuse and baiting the police. And much of those attitudes and actions are based on ignorance or misunderstanding of true human nature, not to mention the purpose of life. In order to stem this rising tide of abuse, I believe that children should be better educated, particularly on spirit and virtues.

The latest article from the Baha'i site at BellaOnline.com is on one of the most effective ways to teach children how to self-regulate their feelings and behaviors: prayer.

Why Teach Even the Youngest Children to Pray
"These children are even as young plants, and teaching them the prayers is as letting the rain pour down upon them, that they may wax tender and fresh, and the soft breezes of the love of God may blow over them..."

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art301852.asp

For more articles on the importance of proper education and what that means for Bahá'ís:

How Education Needs to Change
Educational systems focused on preparing students for a 19th Century world no longer work. What changes can be made to develop collective perspective in which consultation and collaboration can help humanity survive complex global problems?

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art300411.asp

Is Religion Really All about Chores?
For Bahá'ís, the purpose of life is to prepare spiritually for eternity, and to spend time and effort on building virtues to make a better world: spiritual chores.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art301564.asp

Raising Children to Be Good Citizens
The concept of discipline means strength of character, not a form of punishment.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art181931.asp

Do visit bahai.bellaonline.com for more articles on ways to change the world through improved parenting, education, and tools for character building, plus links to the sacred texts of the Bahá'í Faith. You don't have to rely on only my understanding, when you can go straight to the source!

Join free online discussions, view time sensitive announcements and check out interesting external links in the site forum located here -

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=321

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback.

Cheryll Schuette, Baha'i Editor
http://bahai.bellaonline.com

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