Parental Influence on Morals and Religion

The moral development and religious attitudes of children are both influenced by what parents say and do. As a 1998 article by Helen Danielson, an early education secialist writing on the North Dakota State University website, reminds us, parents are the first moral teachers and role models children have because moral development starts at an early age. By ages 5 or 6 children have developed the ability to distinguish between right and wrong and to feel a sense of guilt.

  1. Moral Development

    • According to University of Rochester professor Judith G. Smetana, morality is a person's "prescriptive understanding of how individuals ought to behave towards each other." Moral development occurs in children as parents model proper behavior and present what is right and wrong, explains Danielson, but it continues throughout life. It is in adulthood that the most important moral qualities are developed, according to Harvard professor and child psychologist Richard Weissbourd, making parenting a powerful time to influence a child̵7;s morality.

    Parental Influence

    • The best parental influence is through guidance and reasoning rather than through punishment. Explaining to children what is expected and where they have fallen short gives them the ability to rationally make decisions. To ensure their children listen to them and respond accordingly, Smetana explains that parents need to create a warm and supportive bond with their children. However, even a parent's negative affective reaction influences a child as it signals "that parents' messages require attention."

    Religious Instruction

    • Parents can turn to their faith communities to enhance their own moral development and to influence that of their children. Explanations of moral rules and appropriate responses to moral violations are found in the teachings of most religions. By integrating moral development with religious instruction, parents more effectively influence a child̵7;s acceptance of both. According to Penn State professor Scott M. Myers, ̶0;One's religiosity is determined largely by the religiosity of one's parents."

    Outside Influence

    • Parental instruction on morals needs to begin early and be repeated throughout the child's upbringing. Smetana reports that childhood conflicts over moral issues primarily happen in interactions among peers and generally are resolved without adult interference. The job of a parent is to underscore and amplify the lessons. Even though children spend more time with their peers than with their parents, peers do not have as much influence over a child̵7;s religiosity or moral development as parents.

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