Parenting: Raising Devotees with Love and Wisdom

Course Description:

"Raising Devotees with Love and Wisdom" is a 12-week interactive seminar specially designed by ISKCON to support and empower devotee parents in their sacred role. Based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, timeless Vedic wisdom, and practical parenting tools, this course offers a spiritually rich yet practical roadmap for nurturing Krishna consciousness in children.

Through inspiring discussions, reflective journaling, and engaging storytelling, participants will learn how to create a loving devotional atmosphere at home—while simultaneously advancing on their own spiritual journey as guides and caregivers.

Course Content:

Each week explores a transformative theme:

1. Understanding self-awareness as the foundation of parenting
2. The deeper purpose of parenting in Krishna consciousness
3. The parent's role as a spiritual guide
4. Developing a devotional environment at home
5. Using Krishna-based stories to inculcate values
6. Balancing discipline with love and devotion
7. Understanding and handling emotions—both parents' and children's
8. Strengthening the parent-child bond
9. Providing proper guidance in the age of technology
10. Naturally integrating bhakti into daily routines
11. Teaching the importance of responsibility and simplicity
12. Parenting as a team and trusting Krishna's plan

Target Audience:

• ISKCON devotee parents who aspire to raise their children in Krishna consciousness
• New and expecting parents embarking on a bhakti-based parenting journey
• Parenting educators and counselors seeking a Krishna-centered approach to family guidance

Assessment:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Self-assessment reflections and journaling

Student Guidelines:

• Attend the seminar with a devotional mindset
• Be regular and punctual for every session
• Actively participate in discussions and exercises
• Complete weekly journaling and home assignments
• Respect group confidentiality and create a safe, supportive environment
• Deepen your understanding by asking sincere questions
• Engage in honest self-reflection without judgment
• Involve your spouse and children wherever possible
• Apply at least one practical takeaway from each session
• Always keep Krishna at the center of your parenting journey

What Will Students Gain from This Course?

• A Krishna-conscious vision of parenting as sacred service
• Practical tools to create a devotional home environment
• Techniques for establishing love-filled discipline and deeper emotional connection with children
• Spiritual strategies for facing modern parenting challenges
• Pathways for personal growth through sadhana, teamwork, and introspection

Why Attend This Course?

• To raise spiritually grounded and Krishna-conscious children
• To align your parenting approach with Srila Prabhupada’s vision and Vedic values
• To find devotional solutions to modern parenting challenges
• To strengthen family relationships through bhakti practices
• To grow as a devotee, role model, and spiritual guide for your family

Challenges Addressed in the Curriculum:

• Lack of clarity in raising Krishna-conscious children in today's world
• Struggles with discipline, communication, and emotional bonding
• Challenges in managing technology, peer pressure, and worldly distractions
• Parenting disagreements and misalignment between spouses
• Inconsistency in maintaining sadhana and a devotional atmosphere at home