What values do you want to instill in your children?

1. 89

   ThePracticalMommyposted 13 years ago

   What values do you want to instill in your children?
   
   It can be  a scary world out there and some day we will let our children free into that world. What can we do now to help them make the right decisions later?

   replyreport
2. 71

   ddsurfscaposted 13 years ago

   Always work for what you want, remember to consider other peoples feelings when you speak to them, and one person can make a difference.  Always speak your mind, and education is extremely important.  Spend time with those you love, and help those who cannot help themselves.

   replyreport
3. 60

   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   So many.  I want my children to have integrity, honesty and compassion for their fellow man.  That is sadly lacking in today's world.
   
   What do we do now? We subtly teach all the time.  Watching TV is a great place for lessons, casual conversation about what they are seeing-be subtle though--kids hate it if it turns to a lecture.
   
   Teach right from wrong by word and example---and humor.  One of the greatest TV shows was COSBY.. The humor they used in teaching their kids was great--great lessons.
   
   We used a lot of humor in our house and had so much fun--all the while teaching them about life.
   
   It is a multi-layered process---and exhausting!  :-)

   replyreport
4. 81

   Danette Wattposted 13 years ago

   My kids are grown now but they are very good people, compassionate, leaders, think for themselves....One thing I did was spend a lot of time with them and tried to talk to them a lot about what was going on in the world or with their friends, or within the family. As someone said, I tried not to lecture, tried to use terms such as "I encourage you to consider...." instead of "You SHOULD be doing such and such..." (depending on the situation, of course).
   
   Raising children is tricky but oh so rewarding. The best compliment to a parent is "You have such wonderful (sweet, thoughtful, etc) children!"

   replyreport
5. 61

   twilanelsonposted 12 years ago

   I truly believe quality of life issues and most life situations are improved with a dash of HONESTY.

   replyreport
6. 70

   delaneyworldposted 12 years ago

   This is a great question!  I want my daughter to be compassionate, caring and kind.  I also want her to be positive, loving and have high self esteem.  I want her to look at the world and ask herself what she can do to make it a better place.  I want her to know that she can.  I want her to be friendly and help those that need it.  I want her to be honest and true to herself.  I also want her to hold herself accountable and take responsibility.  I know that those qualities would serve her and those she loves as she gets older. 

   replyreport
7. 73

   kestranaposted 12 years ago

   My husband and I talk about this a lot. We have something of a list:
   
   1. Take responsibility for your actions and if there are consequences, own up to them
   2. Respect people around you and through your actions, demand their respect as well
   3. Realize that no one is perfect, including yourself. Learn from your mistakes and others'
   4. Hard work and smart work will get you where you want to go
   
   We also want them to be well-rounded and get some experience in the arts, sports and foreign culture as young children. When they get to high school they can choose what activities they want to focus on, if any.

   replyreport
8. 60

   SheliaKayposted 12 years ago

   Too many young adults don't have a "Work ethic" and they have a since of entitlement. Parents today work, they feel guilty so they buy their kids "things" so they work more to pay for these "things". You can teach kids as young as 4 or 5 to earn their own money by giving them an allowance for chores they do around the house by doing this you are teaching them how to save for things they want. Don't buy your 16 year old a new car because all their friends have one. They won't take care of it. Teens are careless drivers, and they like to show off. Make them pay their own car insurance as well it might save their lives. If they have to flip burgers to make money to pay for it they will be more careful. The most important advice I can give is teach them by example. Kids learn how they live and what they see. If their parents are always fighting and treating each other with little or no respect they will do the same thing. If you raise your children in a loving and respectful home they will act loving and respectful toward others. There are no perfect parents or children, and all we can do is our best. Good luck, parenting is one of the toughest jobs we will ever have but at the same time the most rewarding.

   replyreport
9. 59

   Tiger Momposted 12 years ago

   Empathy and joy.  I think it is important for them to feel others' pain and be able to share in others' joy.  The rest I try not to worry about.

   replyreport