Values are the lighthouses; they are signals giving us direction, meaning and purpose. In this fast-changing world, where even trends last for a few days or sometimes months, it is hard to teach the importance of value to kids that they should remember for a lifetime.
But once you plant the seed it is easier to nourish it by taking it one day at a time. The same is the case with parenting, once you build a bond with your child, you can easily teach them certain important life skills. And value is the most important of all.
A lot is being said about value, let’s see how you can go about it.
1. First and foremost is beginning by developing a culture of THANKSGIVING. You do not have to make a lot of effort for it, just decide a day in a week when all the family members are thankful to each other for everything they do for each other. This way kids learn that kindness is a very important part of human nature. They also learn to be grateful for all the materialistic things that their parents provide them and the love and care they get as a child. Once they know the value of gratitude they will never take anything in life for granted.
2. Who doesn’t like a happy smile while greeting someone new? But even adults seem to not remember this basic Sanskaar of greeting people with a smile. Parents will agree that this is the most difficult part of parenting, teaching kids to be nice and cheerful while greeting others.
So let’s see what’s the catch here, it is nothing but starting the conversation, not just talking and telling them what to do and how to be but talking to them and having real-life conversations. Where they can talk about their feelings and experiences. They become better listeners when they understand the value of talking to other people.
3. Children follow what they see and how you treat others matters a lot when it comes to their upbringing. They see others through the eyes of their parents. And if you are not setting the right example they might follow the same route. Always be careful about how you talk to other people because they might follow the same route. You have to preach the same behaviour you want to teach your kids.
Parenting is not an easy task and building a strong foundation for your kids is even more difficult. But remember “At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents”.
