5 Steps For Teaching Children Values

Teaching children values is very important in today's ever changing world. Yesterday's children were brought up in a completely different lifestyle with small communities and close families. Today there are more choices and opportunities to learn and grow but there are also hazards along the way. As a parent you know that without values your children will have fewer good opportunities in life. Here are 5 steps for teaching values to your children.

1. You need to identify your values. What values do you as parent feel are important? We all want our children to be honest, dependable and self-reliant. These values dictate the way you spend your money, how you spend your free time and even what kind of car your drive.

2. Your children will follow your example. Your values will be adopted by your children. This can be good and bad depending on the value. A saying I once heard is, "If you do not like your child doing something then make sure you do not do it yourself." We all must look inward to determine our value system.

3. Ask yourself different questions. Are you content with love or money? What would you do if $1,000 fell into your lap? If your day was suddenly freed up what would you do with the extra time? There are no wrong or right answers to these questions but your answers may help you understand your values.

4. Monthly family meeting. This can be over dinner, at a park or in your home. Focus on your children. Ask them how school is going and about their friends. Discuss your values with them and get their opinions.

5. Value of the month. Each month discuss a specific value. Character, honesty, integrity, time management etc. are good values to start with. Get your children to think about the value of the month and what it means to them. You may be surprised what your children's opinions and understandings are about different values.

Teaching values to our children starts with our own values. First we need to understand what our values are. If we lack certain values or are unhappy with a current value then now is the time to change. Then set some time aside each month where you can meet with your children and discuss a different value each month with them.

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