(article by Naniloa Smith/ published in Kahawai Nui Vol I 1997)

Self Identity through Ho’oponopono means to correct, to set things right – to cause freedom. It has given us a new beginning – a new way to look at raising and educating the child.

Education used to be about learning by the paddle or the ruler, then it was a specific program or technique, now it is the opportunity to learn through our Identity.

We have been training the intellectual mind to amass information and to look outside itself for answers. The student comes to us with all the information he needs inside himself; our job is to provide him with the environment so he can develop freely. Teach the child to go inside and ask.

A simple application of learning through Identity is seen in this situation:

The 2 1/2-year-old was in the yard picking grapefruit before it was ready.

Teacher: "Ask the tree if the fruit is ready".

Child: "The tree say, NO".

This same child was seen later picking flowers and saying. :The flowers say YES" At this same school another child was upset when an older child had taken a coconut away from him. His response was, "The tree said this one was for me." When he relayed this information to the older child, the older child simply said, "oh" and gave it back to him. This environment allows the student to develop without a lot of interference and gives opportunity to develop strength and confidence.

Children should be seen and not heard is the old approach and many times taught to the tune of a hickory stick. Our current application is to meet and discuss what needs to be done. The new way teaches that when there is a problem with the child the person in charge needs to work on self and ask, "What is going on in me that is causing this problem?" The role of the teacher then changes. It can be seen that the children are providing an opportunity for self-growth.

What am I doing as a parent or teacher or provider? Am I earning a living, doing it because it is my job or doing it because it gives me a chance to look at myself and is what is right for me at this time. When our focus is not on discipline or salaries it frees us to nurture and support ourselves. This then allows us to be more loving and kind to the children.

The following table summarizes the comparison of these systems.