Most parents like to instill values such as respect, honesty, kindness, courage, compassion, dependability and generosity to their children. These values can greatly affect their personality and can shape their character. Your children can also face the challenges and the grinds of everyday living when they have the right values.
Parents and New Kids Center share the following 5 values that children should develop by the time they reach five or six:
1. Honesty
Sometimes you will hear your child telling lies. Don't overreact if he lied to you. It is advisable that you talk to your child about lying -- that it is not from God. Help him find the way on how to tell the truth. To encourage your child to be honest, you must be an honest person, too. Tell your child that being honest can make him better.
2. Determination
This is a trait that can make your children handle the grinds of everyday living. To develop determination in your child, let him do some tasks that are quite difficult for him and appreciate him for his initiative. For example, your son is so shy to make friends, encourage him to befriend the children in the school or in the neighborhood. Once he accomplished his tasks, congratulate him and say "Great job!"
3. Gratitude
Teach your child to be grateful always. To thank God for everything and to appreciate the people who have been good to him. Remind him to be thankful for having a family, foods, toys, shelter and clothing.
4. Courtesy and Respect
One way to make your child courteous and respectful is to be his role model. Let your children hear you say, "Thank You," "Please," and "Your welcome," or "Good Morning!" Besides these, you must not be rude in dealing with your child and with other people. In this way, your child will follow you.
5. Love
Love is the greatest of all values. Talk to your child and remind him that "God is love." And by this, he must learn to love his family and other people, too. Demonstrate to him how much God loves him and other people. Kiss and hug your child and say "I love you!" from time to time. Your child will do the same and will say "I love you, too" in return.
