[Book] 17 Ways to Make Your Parents Happy When You Are in Elementary School

[About the Author]

Mr. Ko Do-won served as the Editor-in-Chief of *Yonsei Chunchu*, the student newspaper of Yonsei University, and worked as a reporter for *Ppuri Gipeun Namu* and *JoongAng Ilbo*. From 1998, he also worked at the Blue House for five years as a Speech Secretary (Grade 1). Currently, as the host of *Ko Do-won’s Morning Letter*, he opens up energetic mornings every day with approximately 1.6 million readers.

Mr. Ko Do-won is currently a father of one son and one daughter. However, he says that while raising his two children, he belatedly realized the gratitude owed to his parents. Therefore, he wrote this book with the hope that our children will not be left with belated regrets in their hearts like he did, and that they will realize their parents' love and grace a little earlier.

In addition to writing books, Mr. Ko Do-won is seeking meaningful work for this era and is currently promoting the establishment of "Deep Mountain Spring," which is set to become a world-class meditation center in the future. I plan to establish a meditation center in the most beautiful forest where not only our generation but also the next can recharge their bodies and minds.

His published books include *Go Do-won's Morning Letter 1: Beauty Grows Too*, *Go Do-won's Morning Letter 2: A Small Seed Is the Beginning of Everything*, *Go Do-won's Morning Letter 3: Think Big, Achieve Big*, *The Ugly Tree Protects the Mountain*, *Trees Do Not Make Shade for Themselves*, *45 Things You Must Do for Your Parents While They Are Still Alive*, and *37 Things You Must Do in Your 20s When You Are Sowing Seeds*. [Table of Contents]

1. Taking care of their favorite things

2. Saying "I love you"

3. Placing your hand against your parents'

4. Washing their feet

5. Celebrating their birthdays

6. Eating well and saying "Give me more!"

7. Dancing with your parents

8. Saving money to move them

9. Going to the hair salon with Mom

10. Singing together with your parents

11. Your parents' health is the best

12. Making a thank-you card

13. Listening to your parents' dreams for you

14. Making kimchi together

15. Visiting your parents' workplace

16. Giving Mom some time alone

17. Taking a walk hand in hand with your parents

[Recommendation]

Many people believe that the only ways elementary school children can make their parents happy are by studying well and being obedient. This book teaches us that moving away from such a passive attitude—taking a step closer to Mom and Dad, making an active effort to understand them, and being together—is what brings even greater joy. It encourages children to visit their parents' workplace, such as where they sell hotteok at the market, to place their own hand against Mom's, to create some alone time for Mom once a month, and to become children who can say "I love you" to Dad, even if it feels a bit shy. How fulfilling and heartwarming must life be for Mom and Dad living with such children?

― Do Jong-hwan (Poet)

These days, many of our young friends have only one or two siblings, or are all-time singles. Consequently, opportunities to learn small acts of consideration and the spirit of sharing have diminished. How about we try to read the hearts of our most precious parents, even through small gestures, and express our love, even if it feels a little awkward? This book discusses "ways to share love" with parents. If we share love and find happiness with our parents, who are the most precious to us, wouldn't we also share love with others and live happily when we grow up?

― Lee Ok-geum (Elementary School Teacher)