Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 7, 1 July 2004 — Values passed on by example in traditional ʻohana [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Values passed on by example in traditional ʻohana

Ka hana a ka makua, 'o ka hana nō ia a keiki This saying by Mary Kawena Pūku'i says, "What parents do, children will do." It describes how the behaviors of children reflect the ways of their family. In old Hawai'i, family behaviors, values and responsibilities were modeled by elders, parents and relatives, and gently passed onto the youngsters. In earlier times, the responsibility for a child's diet and health, as well as formal and informal training, rested with the grandparents. Today, the responsibility for raising children in Hawaiian families has not changed, but the world around us has changed a great deal. Influences in the lives of our children extend far beyond the

family today. In the old days, child rearing responsibilities were kept within the family. Under adult guidance, the oldest ehildren learned tasks that required great skill, and they understood the safety issues in performing these complex tasks. Skilled tasks, such as preparing and decorating tapa, fishing and making fishing nets and traps, and planting and maintaining the fields, were carefully taught. Grandparents carefully watched and selected children who demonstrated the aptitude and patience to perform these highly skilled tasks, and the brightest children apprenticed with experts. Children learned order, expectations, responsibilities, respect and values of family living. The focus was on the benefit for the entire 'ohana.

Younger children learned daily tasks from older children in the 'ohana. 01der children demonstrated how to do chores and assured both the safety of younger ones and the quality of eaeh task. This sense of responsibility for younger children carried over in all areas of daily life, including playtime. Children knew their role and responsibilities, and they knew exactly what their position was in the family constellation. The oldest children worked closely with grandparents, parents and elders, learning the intricacies and performanee of adult work with precision. By the time the youth entered adulthood, family behaviors, values and responsibilities that were modeled by elders had heeame ingrained and passed on to the young adults.

A great story is told about Duke Kahanamoku and his younger brother, Sam. The Kahanamoku brothers represented the U.S. in the 1924 01ympics, along with Johnny Weismuller. It was Duke's third 01ympic competition. The powerful Kahanamoku bodies and intense training gave the U.S. an advantage. As the brothers approached the finish line in one of the races, it is said, Sam saw he would beat Duke, so he slowed a little. Johnny Weismuller took the gold medal, Duke finished second with silver, and Sam took the bronze. 01ympic officials wanted to penalize the brothers, until they were told of the Hawaiian family value system. The U.S. won three medals that year, and a Kahanamoku family value was preserved. ■

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By Claire Hughes Dr.PH., R.D.