By Julia Gorham
Respect, kindness, honesty, courage, perseverance, self-discipline, compassion, generosity and dependability are the key ingredients for instilling good values in your children.
You need to spend time with your children and make the time that you have with them really count. Talk to them about what’s right and wrong, and what constitutes good behaviour and what doesn’t. Have these kinds of conversations with your children on a regular basis so that the topic of values becomes a completely “normal” one in your household. Intertwine lessons about values into everyday interactions with your children.
Model good values
One of the most important things you can do is set a good example for your children. They learn from seeing how you treat them, overhearing your interactions with others and observing what you do in different situations throughout the day.
If you want your children to exhibit values like honesty, good manners. self-respect and compassion, then you need to show these qualities yourself. All the teaching in the world can be undone, if your children watch you behave in ways that contradict what you’ve said.
If there’s a discrepancy between what you say and what you do, your children are just going to ignore what you told them. But if your actions are consistent with your words, then your message is going to be reinforced. Your children will know that what you tell them to do is vital if they see that you always “practice what you preach.”
Conversations count
A powerful way to instill core values is with daily conversations with your children. Your child will absorb best when you have a relaxed conversation with them.
Traditions are important
Family holidays, traditions and get togethers will be the most cherished and valuable lessons for your children!
