There are many ways through which you can teach your child good values. The most important thing is to set a good example. The child will emulate what he or she sees. This apart, there are some other ways to raise your child with good values.

Be a Spy

Find ways to see how your kids are applying their values with friends - whether they share, tattle and so on. Contrary to what many parents think, you have to become actively involved in the development of your children's friendships. Even as little as ten minutes of observation at the day care centre will do.

Exercise Their Empathy

Children are born with the capacity to empathise: A 9-month-old who starts wailing when another baby cries, for example, is displaying a primitive form of empathy. As your kids grow, you can help develop it further with practice. Write two columns on paper: "What did I do to make someone feel good - and bad - today? And why?" This is a particularly useful exercise for children who are having problems with other children.

Invite Another Perspective

If, for example your child had made a friend cry by teasing him or by not inviting him to his birthday party, you could ask him how he'd feel if the roles were reversed. Very often the child does not realise he had made his friend feel bad.

Stay Honest

Sure, it's tempting to tell the annoying telemarketing person that you're in the middle of dinner when you're not. But what you're teaching your kids is that honesty isn't important.

Rely on Books

One way to teach tolerance is through books that focus on issues. Start young, so you've planted the ideas in kids before they start going to school.

Post Comment

Name : Email : Password : Comments :