Teaching Your Child Family Values

Do you remember the fairytales and stories told to you as a child at bedtime? It would be interesting to know that these stories were designed not keeping in mind a child’s perspective. In fact they were designed to mould the personality of the child to shape it according to the morals and values of what the society seemed righteous. Storytelling has been a way adopted even in ancient times to pass on knowledge from elders to young. Even in this present day and age, storytelling still attracts a child to listen attentively; and it is one of the best ways to educate your child about family values. In order to give direction to your child, it is important for parents to impart family values. Values build personality and character and will help in guiding your child when he/she grows older. The main test of how strong values are, is revealed in times of adversity. It is during difficult times that one can realize the set of values a child or person possesses. Children must be taught to stick by their values and principles no matter whether the situation is good or bad. A few tips to keep in mind while teaching family values is mentioned further.

Imparting Family Values To Your Children

It is important for parents to practice what they preach. Children love to imitate and if parents are role models and can lead by example it would be one of the effective ways through which we can inculcate values in children.
Parents should share personal experiences and stories about their childhood to provide a connection to their children. No matter how young or old, children are always inquisitive to know how their parents were when they were young.
Lessons to impart values have to be customized according to the child’s age. Direct lessons like ‘to steal is wrong’, ‘to thank people when they help is right’; are best for children who are very young and may not be able to understand indirect messages.
On the other hand, it would be best to educate teenagers through indirect ways as they tend to be in a phase of exploration and freedom. Using phrases like ‘because I said so’ will only lead to your child disconnecting further.
Parents need to patient with children. It takes time to internalize values. Providing an open minded environment, will give them freedom to open up and ask questions. This in turn will give parents a better understanding about your children and suitable ways you can adopt to guide them.

Tip

Parents need not feel anxious about whether they have been successful in imparting family values to their children. There is no set method to teach family values and it vastly depends from child to child and family backgrounds. In the end, if your child grows to be a honest, compassionate and helpful human being, it should be a proof enough of successful upbringing and values.

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