10 Important Values To Teach Your Children
Children are like a blank piece of paper to begin with. As they begin to learn, they are like sponges. They take in everything around them, everything they see, touch and hear. The words and behaviours they learn from are usually from the adults and children around them. Sometimes children will shock you with what comes out of their mouth when you least expect it. So that’s why it’s important to instill in them the 10 most important values from the beginning. It’s not an easy process, nor is there just one solution….it takes patience and time, but in the end they will be equipped with values that they will at least be able to live full and happy lives.
1. Honesty
Somehow, children learn to lie. Not entirely sure when they start doing this and it may be they see parents doing it or learn from other children. If you explain the importance of honesty to them at an early age and reassure them you will always be there to listen to them if they know they have done something wrong, then they will find it easier too approach you. Many children are too afraid to tell you the truth for fear of being shouted at. If they do come to you, always praise them for recognising their mistakes and having the courage to tell you the truth.
2. Respect
Children copy behaviours they see at home (and from school later). Make sure you as the parents and home carer model how you want your children to treat others, as well as other people’s bodies, property and opinions too. It is important that they know and SEE respect and courtesy. Even starting from the basics such as using the words ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and then moving onto ‘you’re welcome” and “excuse me” will be the first few steps to learning about respect and helping them to build positive relationships with people and things around them.
3. Generosity
“I want” are common words for children but as parents we should teach them about sharing. It needs to be emphasised at home in order for them to actively share at school. Take advantage of Christmas, when children may be thinking of what they want themselves, to explain to them that it is important to give during this time. Actively participate with them in helping those less fortunate such as through donating food or clothing, fundraising, wrapping ‘boxes of hope’ or visiting people in need. It helps them realise that it’s not about taking but also about giving too.
4. Gratitude
Sometimes as adults we focus on what is wrong with our lives instead of being grateful for what we have. As parents, we need to teach our children to be thankful everyday, even for the smallest of things. Help them start a ‘gratitude’ book so that they can say in their own way what they are thankful for. This will teach them to appreciate everything they have whether it is food, clothing, shelter, health or even a smile from their teacher or friend.
5. Uniqueness
When children get older, they tend to want to conform to peers around them – either it’s a fashion, the way they talk or what to believe in. They may not understand why children around them are so different from them. Younger children, on-the -other-hand, do what they want, when they want to do it and with whom they want to do it. Instill in them from an early age that individuality is what makes them special – so they can be interested in different things, hobbies, sports or even beliefs. They shouldn’t compare themselves to friends, although everyone is unique in their own way. Children may ask why a person looks like that or talks differently and as parents you can explain to them what special qualities there are in that person. This helps them open-up their minds to the differences in people and shows that it’s what’s inside of a person that really counts.
6. Positive Attitude
It is always easy to get wrapped up in all the negativity around us. As adults we know that some things don’t happen the way we want or we don’t get what we want, but we carry on. Some people may lose faith that things will be better in the future. Our children need to learn the importance of having a positive attitude because unfortunately, people and events in life will let them down. They need to move forward and have faith in the future. A positive attitude starts with having a positive attitude at home and from parents. Start now.
7. Humour
We can also learn from our children too. In their lives now, life is just a playground. They see laughter is any situation and live for the moment. They are able to bounce back easily and often don’t take things too seriously. Help your children to have this frame of mind throughout their lives. As they grow older, life gets a bit more challenging and they will have to face pressure, more school work and responsibility. Show them how laughter helps to make a life better and more fun by telling each other jokes or doing fun activities together like reading, playing at the park, or even just talking to each other about life. Knowing what makes your children laugh and smile strengthens your relationship.
8. Forgiveness
When children learn how to forgive, they learn compassion as well. They need to be taught how to forgive otherwise they will grow up to be bitter adults. When someone hurts them, listen to them talk, but explain to them in the end that holding a grudge against that person who hurt them will only make them miserable. That grudge gives the other person more power over them. Your children will not be able to live a happy life because of the bitterness inside them. Try to make them understand that the other person is also hurting and the only reason we want to hurt other people is because it’s our way of dealing with our own hurt.
9. Persistence
We never do everything perfectly and it is through persistence that makes us think positively. Persistence helps children to never give up and to keep on working hard for what they want. Babies learn how to crawl, walk and play through persistence and it is through trial and error that they learn these important skills. As children grow older they will face pressure, from school friends, exams and even from family. As parents, we can continually encourage them to do their best. When they face frustrations, guide them through it rather than giving them answers to their problems. If they learn persistence when they are young, they will grow to be hard workers and strive for their goals.
10. Passion
Teaching passion to your children is important – whether it’s passion for life or passion for people and things they enjoy. Passion gives them dreams and sums up all the other values because it makes them excited about life and can push them to strive for higher goals and be better people. Teach your children by showing your enthusiasm for even the smallest things. Your energy will rub off on to your children because they will see how wonderful life is.
There are so many more values that your children should know but these ten are the core of life and will help them lead happier lives and build better relationships.
If you have any comments on this article, please email to carol@kiddikraft.com.