Parents have the primary responsibility to mould the character of children. Too much freedom should not be given out of excessive affection. -

Dhritarashtra had a hundred sons, the Kauravas. He knew very well that they were a wicked lot, and also knew that his brother's sons, the Pandavas, were wedded to righteousness (Dharma). He was also aware that the Kauravas were inflicting many indignities and injuries on them. Vyasa warned him thus many times: "Dhritarashtra! I do not say that for you to love your sons is wrong. But you must not shower misplaced affection on your sons. Do not behave like a blind ignorant man. By showing your unrestricted love for a bad son, you are causing harm to the community and the country." The doting father did not heed to sage's advice. Consequently, he got involved in many sinful actions. Through blind infatuation for his sons, what did Dhritarashtra achieve? In the final outcome, he had no one even to perform his funeral obsequies. The Pandavas had to render this service to him. It is not wrong to love children. But parents should learn how to love them.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba