
Use Ganesha's idol to show your child that nobody is perfect. An elephant head on a human body teaches us to accept ourselves and others just as we are.

Shiva and Parvati challenged sons Ganesh and Karthik to circle the world for a magical fruit. Karthik flew off, but Ganesh smartly circled his parents, saying they were his world. Ganesh won.

Parvati made Ganesha from dirt to guard her door. Shiva, not knowing Ganesha was his son, beheaded him. To fix it, Shiva replaced the head with an elephant's, creating Ganesha.

Ganesha's elephant ears teach the value of listening well. Often, people just want someone to listen without judgment when they share troubles, not necessarily give advice.