On May 28, 2013 Gillian Wong wrote an article put out by the Associated Press about a Chinese teenager who defaced an ancient temple with graffiti in Egypt. This young person scratched “Ding Jinhao visited here” in Chinese on a temple wall in the ancient city Luxor. Another Chinese tourist posted a photo of it on a popular microblog with the comment: “My saddest moment in Egypt. Ashamed and unable to show my face.”

What happened next…

“The outcry prompted Ding’s parents to publicly apologize. In an interview with a Ninjing newspaper, Ding’s father said “the child has committed a mistake and the main responsibility falls on the adults. It was because we did not supervise him well, and have not taught him well.”

Ohhh how I wish our parents would get this important lesson.

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How special that Ding’s father took the responsibility. As we continue to battle young people making a racket in public places, carved words in scenic spots, graffiti and other disrespectful acts, I hope we will all learn from Ding’s father. Punishing and having consequences are one thing, but most important of all is to teach, teach, teach!

June! Month of the Dads

Thank you Dads for all the lessons of life you teach your children. The work ethic is one thing. Responsibility is another. There are many more. We hear you teaching your children all time. Don’t forget to thank your dad for all the wonderful values he has taught you. Encourage your children to thank their dads as well.

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