How to Teach Your Child Good Values

Teaching good values takes time, patience and consistency, but it is one of the most important things you can do for your child. It is never too early to begin teaching your children good values, which will help them grow up to be kind and productive members of society. Teaching your children good values will help them be more responsible, have higher self-esteem and lead more productive lives.

Instructions

    • 1

      Discuss the importance of good values. Always keep the lines of communication open between you and your children. Talk to your children about specific values, such as honesty and compassion, as situations or experiences arise. When your child is struggling with certain issues, such as seeing his friends poke fun at other children, start a conversation with him. Ask open-ended questions, such as "How did you feel when Mikey called that kid a dummy?" Share some of your personal experiences to build a connection and to make the conversation more relevant for your child.

    • 2

      Lead by example. Teach your child the values you want her to learn, such as self-discipline, kindness and social responsibility, through your own actions. For example, when your child sees you stick to a diet and exercise program which results in your successful weight loss, she'll better understand what it means to have self-discipline. Having your family volunteer at the local soup kitchen during the holidays is one way for your children to learn about kindness and compassion. Help your children learn about social responsibility by participating in the neighborhood recycling program.

    • 3

      Share quality time. Spend time doing fun, interactive activities with your children. Plant a vegetable garden and visit an animal conservation center. Teach your children to value the earth, plants, animals, other people and themselves. Expose your children to variety of customs, cultures, and languages to help them become more aware of the world around them and to facilitate respect for diversity. Spend quality time reading educational books that promote positive values and teach moral lessons. Play games and sports together as a family.

    • 4

      Use media effectively. Expose your children to the types of books and television programs that support your values and beliefs. Do not allow your children to play violent video games or watch crime-focused television shows. Explain to your children why it is best to avoid certain programs. Stick to uplifting, motivational shows. Watch programs with your children so you can talk about the moral lessons or values represented.

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