Moral Dilemmas for Parents

Parents have much with which to contend; their plates are full. Standards of morality may appear to be shifting downward, but parents are responsible for instilling values in their children. The best way to do that is to live the life you espouse. ̶0;Do what I say, not what I do̶1; is a trite expression that has no place in the ethical and moral education of your children. The media and other outside influences may make it more difficult to provide a moral foundation for your children, but your belief system should be the defining position you take as you raise them.

  1. Promoting Integrity

    • If your child makes a moral error in judgment, such as stealing a dress from a store at the mall, do you make her return the dress and accept the consequences -- knowing the store may have her arrested -- or do you allow her to keep the dress and wield your own punishment? Teaching children to discern right from wrong puts them in a much stronger position to do the right thing as occasions arise. Hypothetical situations are good teaching tools. You can ask, ̶0;If you left the store and realized you had not been charged for an item, what would you do?̶1; Give a, b and c options and discuss the choices your child makes.

    Modeling Morality

    • Parents cannot afford to practice unprincipled behavior around their children. In order to raise morally responsible children, parents need to behave ethically to teach life lessons that will ground their children for the rest of their lives. Perhaps a coworker told you how easy it is to steal merchandise from the dress shop in which you work and that she did it regularly. She wants to show you how easy it is. You must decide whether you will report her to the manager or do you remain quiet? You can involve your children in a hypothetical discussion of the situation, consider their input and discuss the morality of it.

    Instilling Good Character

    • When children become teenagers, they generally switch their loyalty to peers and away from parents. Bearing the problems and challenges of their friends can be a major burden. Suppose your teen was involved with a friend who was using dangerous drugs; he wants to protect him, but he knows his friend needs help. Your teen must decide whether he should expose his friend̵7;s secret for his own good or remain quiet out of loyalty. Helping your teen realize what he should do in situations like this may be difficult. Raising a child of good character, of course, begins in early childhood. In hypothetical discussions, impress upon your child that in cases like this, he should encourage his friend to seek help while realizing he cannot shoulder this kind of burden.

    Staying Involved

    • One way to relate to your children in meaningful ways is by sharing experiences you had at their age, if they are appropriate. Let them know you have made mistakes and that you understand the pressures they may feel to conform to society̵7;s ideas of right and wrong. If you believe adapting certain societal conventions is detrimental to their physical or emotional well-being, it is your duty to point it out and offer alternatives with which you are both comfortable. Maybe you checked your daughter̵7;s cell phone and found seductive pictures of her. You struggle with the decision to confront her and reveal you invaded her privacy or say nothing and hope it is a passing phase. Be honest with children, and you may be rewarded with less stress and turmoil.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Children's Activities in Omaha
      Parents can find a wide variety of activities for their children in Omaha, Nebraska. Most centers offer special admission days and events, so remember to call ahead. Also ask for a group discount or day pass if it will to save a few dollars.
    • How to Stop Fighting With the Kids
      Establishing independence is a primary part of growing up. From first word and first step to first job, first car or first serious relationship, your child learns to how to do things for himself and to be independent. Included in this process is lear
    • How to Recycle Crayons
      It might seem like you are always finding broken crayons or crayons that are nearly used up in your childrens room or play area. Those old crayons may be of little interest to your kids, especially if they have easy access to shiny new ones, but you