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#1 Introduction to Dhruva’s World

Theme: Parenting in Imperfect Families
Scriptural Reference: Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 4, Chapter 8, Verses 8–14

🎯 Objectives for Parents

  • Recognize that no family is perfect, yet spiritual growth is possible.
  • Reflect on the effects of favoritism and emotional neglect on children.
  • Appreciate Sunīti’s calm, devotional parenting as a powerful response to trauma.

🧩 Class Outline (45–60 minutes)

1. Icebreaker Activity: “Silent Scars” (5 mins)

Ask parents to raise their hand or silently reflect:

  • “How many of you remember a moment from childhood when you felt overlooked by an adult?”
  • “Was it the words that hurt — or the silence?”

This opens the heart and builds empathy with Dhruva’s situation.

2. Story + Verse Reading (10–12 mins)

SB 4.8.8–14 Summary:

  • King Uttānapāda favored Suruci, neglected Sunīti.
  • Dhruva tried to sit on his father's lap but was insulted by Suruci.
  • The King said nothing.
  • Dhruva fled to his mother, broken but determined.
Insight: Sometimes, what hurts a child most isn’t what was said — it’s what wasn’t.

3. Group Discussion: “What Would You Do?” (10 mins)

Scenario: Your child is insulted in front of others. You're present. You feel frozen — unsure what to say.

  • What would be the right thing to do — spiritually and emotionally?
  • Have you ever been in such a situation?

4. Quiz Time (Quick Show of Hands – 5 mins)

Statement: True or False?

  1. Dhruva’s father scolded Suruci for her harshness. (❌ False)
  2. Sunīti encouraged Dhruva to fight back. (❌ False)
  3. Suruci told Dhruva he must take another birth to deserve the throne. (✅ True)

5. Emotional Self-Check (3 mins)

“On a scale of 1 to 5, how emotionally safe do you think your child feels with you when they are hurt or rejected?”

Let parents raise fingers silently or note in their journal. No sharing required — it's for honest self-awareness.

6. Parenting Insights (5 mins)

  • 🪷 No family is perfect — Krishna can still work through us.
  • 🪷 Silence in the face of hurt can wound a child deeply.
  • 🪷 One moment of spiritual redirection can define a child’s destiny.

7. Journaling Prompt (3–4 mins)

Ask parents to write privately in their notebook:

“What is one thing I can do this week to make my child feel seen, safe, and spiritually guided — like Sunīti did for Dhruva?”

8. Home Activity – “Our Family Tree”

Draw a family tree with your child. Place Krishna in the center. Use it to spark a conversation: “How is Krishna present in our family relationships?”

9. Closing Verse & Affirmation

SB 4.8.14: After being insulted and abandoned emotionally, Dhruva turned to his mother — a turning point in his life.

Affirmation: “My child’s pain is not the end of their story. It can become their path to Krishna.”

📱 WhatsApp Summary (Copy-Paste)

📖 ISKCON Sunday School – Parenting Track (Week 1)
🪷 Raising a Dhruva: Parenting in Imperfect Families
(SB 4.8.8–14)

👑 Dhruva was just 5 when his stepmother crushed his spirit.
And his father stayed silent.

He cried. He ran. But what his mother did next changed his life — and ours.

🎯 Parenting Takeaways:
- No family is perfect — Krishna can still work through you.
- Silence can harm. Support your child with truth and bhakti.
- Every child has a divine destiny — don't block it with labels.

🎨 Family Activity:
Draw a family tree with Krishna at the center.
Talk about what it means to be part of His family. ❤️

✨ Quote of the Week:
"My child’s pain is not the end of their story. It can become their path to Krishna."

📌 Materials to Prepare

  • Printouts of SB 4.8.8–14 (in English or Sanskrit)
  • Blank family tree template with Krishna in the center
  • Small slips of paper for quiz or reflections (optional)
  • A slide or print of the Suruci–Dhruva incident artwork
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