Ways to Teach Your Children Right Values
You should realize that having a child can not only make you happier but also must change your attitudes and conduct. Being a parent should give you a sense of purpose, a sense of meaning and a sense of responsibility. Parents who have had children and most psychologists tell you that children aren’t born knowing right from wrong and it is your job to teach them the good moral values. Of course, it is often easier said than done because teaching values and morals takes much time and efforts. Unfortunately, we live in the society where most people are spending longer hours at work and fewer hours with their children, but it is a totally wrong perception of priorities! Don`t forget that society isn`t going to help you do a good job of teaching your children the right values for you. Quite the opposite, society is having a greater effect on the kids and this effect isn`t always so positive as you’d like. Well, you`ll not fulfill your responsibilities as parents if you don’t try to instill the right morals and values in your children. Here are a few practical ways that will definitely help you.
Set a Good Example
Your kids learn how to think, feel and behave by seeing how you treat them and how you interact with other people. Your kids observe what you do in any given situation and act the same way. So when you want to teach your children the right values, you should model them. Honesty, compassion, self-respect, kindness and courage are the values that every parent wants to instill in their kids… But begin the process by showing these qualities yourself because you`re an example to your children, they model your behavior and actions.
Explain What and Why
Of course, you need not only to show but also to talk to your children. Talk about what you are doing and why, otherwise there’s a strong possibility that your kids may get the wrong message or not make the connection. Try to analyze every situation and explain why you make current decisions. By the way, tell your kids cautionary tales, impressively strong family quotes and discuss their favorite books, cartoons and movies. Talk to them about the choices that the characters made, find a possible learning point and identify a lesson in choosing the right path.
Let Your Children Make Mistakes
You`re not perfect and don`t think your kids will be perfect. They will also make mistakes as well as you do! Your mistakes teach you and your kids` mistakes will teach your kids. However, you need to explain to your children that it is okay to make mistakes because it is the learning opportunities that your children can grow from.
Monitor Impact of Media Use
The entertainment industry has a great influence on your kids. The Net, television, movies, video games, music are full of wrong products that can instill wrong morals and values. You have to prevent this! Control your kids` preferences and monitor what TV shows and movies they watch, what songs they listen to, what video games they play. Besides, you can and even should limit the exposure to TV and the Net in order to spend more time together.
As a parent, you should recognize the need for your kids to have the right values. As a parent, you have to do your best to instill solid morals in your children. Use these 4 practical ways to lay the foundation and don`t forget to communicate with your kids.