How does a kid get his/her values in life? As parents, what do we have to teach the kids? There are several opinions - some think that they have to teach all that they know and have learnt to their child, there are some who think that the kid should learn on its own as experience is the best teacher and there are some who are always confused about what to teach and what not to teach.

More often than not, I've always felt that it is my values which is being thrust upon my child as I react to things in a way that I know, I learnt and I like and sometimes others also like. Reason being, I know I've acquired only some of the qualities/values because of the up bringing. Others, which is a larger percentage, are what I've learnt through the mistakes I made or by observing others around me at various situations and considering what appeals to the mass or through the books I read. And I feel that schooling is also an important part as if a kid doesnot have a good teacher or good learning environment, there is no good values that is learnt by the kid.

One of my colleague was saying that every time he takes his kid along for shopping - even if it is grocery shopping - he ends up buying a toy for the kid. Reasons can be many but the most important thing is that he can afford it because of the software world where a more than decent salary is being paid.

I know that we dont hesitate too much to travel by air if there is a necessity and we are used to decent hotels, posh residence, domestic helps and two tier AC coaches. Till I joined work, I've never experienced any of those. But my daughter is experiencing what I would have , still consider as luxury at the age of 2. What would be the impression? What will she think if we have to travel by general or second class with people sleeping on the floor and seats dirtied with food etc., etc., What will she think if she goes to a place of a close relative who doesnot have a house with facilities that she has at home? will she ask embarassing questions like my colleagues son asked when they visited her sisters place which had only one toilet and he could not believe that everyone was sharing it?! Will she appreciate the taste of thattu kadai or will she look for star hotels where she can fine dine?

Questions, questions, questions which only time can answer.