From the beginning of time, parents have passed on the benefit of life experience, which can be painful and gritty, to their offspring. And all too often, whether children are receptive to this or not determines the success or failure, ease or hardship they will either enjoy or endure later in life. The Chinese have a saying, one commonly uttered by parents to their children, that goes, “A bridge that you are crossing today equals a mere thought that crosses my mind.” Chinese culture holds that suffering will naturally accompany children who disrespect their parents—for they fail to heed that wisdom. It is so decreed, the Chinese believe, by the laws of Heaven and Earth.
Social media is rife with anecdotes, and there are words of wisdom from parents online, like hidden gems. One tells of a mom who elucidates a way forward for her daughter, who expressed exasperation with life. An illustration is presented by the wise parent to her child, the premise of her parable being simple, things most anyone can relate to:
