Why Teaching Morals Is Important

The Elements of Morality

• Opinions about morality differ greatly from one person to another. For instance, Dr. David Poenoe, sociology professor at Rutgers University, lists the elements of morality as the capacity to develop strong attachments, empathize with others and respect authority. Child development resources department personnel at the University of Alabama Parenting Assistance Line emphasize the importance of the Golden Rule, or "treat others as you would prefer to be treated." Joyce K. Fittro, who is certified in family and consumer sciences, writing in the "Rearing Moral Children" fact sheet on the Ohio State University Extension website, lists 17 elements of morality including courage and serenity, and qualifies the element of respect for authority by clarifying that only legitimate authority must be respected. As the Alabama University piece points out, failing to teach your own values to your children leaves them open to being taught values you wouldn't agree with.

Importance of Empathy

• Although systems of morality differ based on personal beliefs, a child with poor empathy is unlikely to develop into a moral adult under any belief system. Small children can be both cruel and caring, depending on the circumstances. A child whose parents say cruel things to each other or about other people will likely grow up to do the same, while a child whose parents treat others with kindness will treat others with kindness too.

Importance of Integrity

• Although empathy plays an important part in morality, it isn't the only aspect. All people face tough moral decisions from time to time, and empathy alone won't always provide guidance. For instance, there's nothing un-empathetic about copying another child's schoolwork if it causes no harm to the other child, but few people would consider it morally upright behavior. Unless you teach your child the importance of personal integrity, he may make poor decisions with consequences for his future life.

Teaching Morality

• The most effective way to teach moral values is through the example of your own behavior, but kids also need more specific guidance. You can use random situations that come up in daily life to teach your child about your values, such as when you accidentally walk out of a store without paying for something and then return to pay for it. You can use situations portrayed in your child's favorite TV shows to discuss right and wrong, what the characters did in the show and what other choices they could have made. Through example and discussion, your child can develop a clear sense of right and wrong.