All of us parents have dreams for our children. We dream that they have a bright future ahead of them, so we make sure they get the best quality of education they can possibly have. Additionally, we also hope that they lead healthy lives so we ensure their physical need needs are taken care of. However, sometimes we focus too much on academics and outside health. Thus, we tend to forget another crucial aspect in our children’s lives – their values.
This is a great challenge. Honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness, integrity, gratitude, perseverance, cooperation, courage, empathy. The list can go on, and on. In fact, we will never run out of good values to teach our children. Yet, before delving into the values themselves, we first have to understand why doing so is important.
Character Development
First and foremost, we must remember that the values our children learn from us directly influence their character as they grow up. Additionally, they pick up habits that affect their character from other adult parental figures. These habits and values serve as building blocks that make up our children’s character as they grow and mature. Of course, we want to give them strong foundations like patience, generosity, and self-discipline, among others.
Social Responsibility
Furthermore, it is important that children learn values like responsibility, compassion, and respect for themselves and for others. If they do, they are more likely to grow up as good members of the society. For one, compassionate children will grow up as adults who have a heart for their fellowmen. Also, respectful children will grow up as adults who are considerate of others. Lastly, responsible children grow up as adults who do their share in maintaining a just and fair society.
Preparing for the Real World
Finally, the greatest importance of cultivating values in children is that it prepares them for the real world outside school. A family environment shields children from adversities and difficulties. Schools create a safe environment for children to thrive. The real world outside home and school cannot be more different. It is full of trials and difficulties. Children who are taught resilience, perseverance, and hard work are equipped with life skills that will help them navigate the challenges in the real world.
We can never overstate the importance of cultivating good values in our children. Optimum physical health and top-tier education will all be put to waste without good values. Ultimately, it’s our responsibility as parents to instill good values in our children.