I just read a blog post by David Lowery over at The Tricordist: Artists for an Ethical Internet. (Letter to Emily White at NPR All Songs Considered. | The Trichordist.) The post was in response to a 21 year-old woman who wrote her own blog post about the fact that she has over 11,000 songs in her music library and has only bought 15 CDS in her life.  So basically, she’s downloading music for free on file sharing sites.

What does this have to do with Conscious Parenting? Quite a bit actually.

One of the fundamental principles of Conscious Living is recognizing that harmony is created by an equal exchange of energy. Someone creates something, someone trades for it or buys it and the cycle continues.

When we choose to break that cycle, either because we convince ourselves that what we are doing doesn’t harm anyone, or only harms those faceless corporations that already have way too much money, we neglect to take into consideration the individuals who actually fuel the engine. Whether it is the artist or the worker, faceless is only what we see if we want to justify our behavior.

Today more than ever it’s important to teach your children about honesty, about value and about equal exchange of energy – both when dealing with others and when people are dealing with them.

When your child can value who they are and know that what they have to offer is meaningful and of value, they will also be able to recognize this value in others.

Equal exchange of energy is not dollar for dollar, necessarily. But the exchange has to feel equal on both sides. Since I’m so heavily steeped in all-things Pokémon these days, let’s use Pokémon trading cards for an example. If you child really understands the game and has several cards that don’t benefit him, he may be will to exchange them for one card that does. On the other hand if your child doesn’t really understand the game a three or four card exchange for one card wouldn’t seem fair.

Equal exchange of energy is subjective. I do a lot of healing work just in connecting with people. I take this into account when I’m looking at equal exchange of energy. I’ve set up a system where people need to email for an appointment, primarily because I acknowledge the fact that just in telling me their problems or concerns over the phone, I am actually working.

Understanding the notion of equal exchange of energy starts by helping your child to see value in their very existence, in the energy they bring to the world.

As your child matures, help to instill an awareness about value and energy.

Here are a few ways you can touch on this in the everyday:

• ·         When you go out to eat, explain why you give the wait staff a tip.
• ·         When someone gives you or your child a gift, talk to your child about the energy behind that gift. Why was the gift given? What energy is exchanged?
• ·         When you buy something, talk about why we pay for things and what your purchase means on a much larger scale.

It’s never too early to teach your child about value, honesty and equal exchange of energy.

And especially in this situation, your child will be watching you for cues on how to navigate the waters. If you justify stealing something – be it cable or music, this sends a message.

Conscious Living comes down to awareness; awareness of the ripple effect each and every one of our actions has on not only others but on the world we live in.

© 2012 Christine Agro

Have questions about your child or need support? Christine offers private readings as well as on-line support at The Consicous Mom’s Guide

Christine Agro is a clairvoyant, naturopath, Master Herbalist, conscious mom and author of 50 Ways to Live Life Consciously as well as of The Conscious Living Wisdom Cards (Special Moms’ Edition). Christine is founder of The Conscious Mom’s Guide , a membership site where she helps support you on your own journey of living life consciously and on your journey of being a Conscious parent. You can also join Christine on Facebook. To contact Christine, invite her to speak or to schedule an appointment with her please email her