Strong life values are at the cornerstone of a solid foundation as we navigate through life. As adults, our personal morals and values were heavily influenced by our parents. As a parent, you can help your children develop values that will guide them on their life’s journey.
Religious Values
Choosing to raise your children in a religion is one way to instill a strong sense of values. Many different religions and denominations of those religions exist, but many of them incorporate value systems. Raising your children in a religion shows them how to interact with the rest of humanity.
It also introduces them to the honor they need to show God. Religion and spirituality can serve as a guiding force throughout their lives whether they want to show praise and gratitude or ask for help and assistance.
Say “No”
Today, some parents believe they should never say “no” to their children. Then, they look around the world and wonder why people feel so entitled when in fact, they are developing children who are just as spoiled. When you want to teach your children values, you need to correct and instruct them when they do not follow your household values and guidelines.
Set up a system in your home for punishments and rewards. For example, if your child doesn’t follow the rules, he or she loses a certain amount of free time.
School Program
As a parent you have primary responsibility for your children’s good behavior. You may consider sending your child to school in alignment with your religious values. For example, you might want to send your kids to a religious school where the educational program is in alignment with your religious values.
If your teen is struggling you may consider sending them to a boarding school in the Midwest where they can be given a structured environment where they can reach their full potential academically and personally. Public schools can be excellent resources, but their focus is exclusively academic without a religious curriculum.
Do What You Say
This rule is probably the easiest to forget. Many parents tell their children not to do something, but then they turn around and do it themselves. Let’s say you want your children to say their prayers before going to bed or push in their chairs every time they get up from the table.
You might avoid praying at all times, and you might leave the room a mess every time you walk out of it. If you are not even following your own advice, you are basically telling your kids that none of these things are really that important.
Responding To Serious Problems
Trying to teach morals, values and ethics to children is a struggle for a number of parents, but you need to know when the issue might be more serious than you ever thought. Look out for signs like aggressive behavior and/or rough language. You should also note if your child has serious trouble paying attention.
These signs could be indicative of a more serious issue like a learning disability or an emotional issue. Realize these conditions could seriously affect the way your children understand morals and values. Speaking with the doctor and following their advice to see specialists, if necessary, can help with your goals.
These four keys will help you to develop strong life values in your children and to create a more moral-laden life for yourself as a way. However, keep in-mind a deeper reason may exist as to why your children are unable to process the lessons you are explaining and demonstrating.
