Exploring Moral Values with Your Child

Moral values tend to be passed down naturally from one generation to the next. You’re probably already teaching your child the difference between right and wrong and to remember their manners, without even realising that you are helping them learn important principles. However, if you want to take the concept of moral values one step further, here are a few ideals you should consider, suggested by a girls’ independent school in Surrey.

mother and child

Respect
Ask your child if they know what it means to be respectful to others. Share some examples of both respectful and disrespectful behaviour and point it out to your child as it’s happening. For example, if you go out for dinner and a customer on the next table is shouting at the waitress, have a chat with your child afterwards about why that behaviour isn’t acceptable and could be considered disrespectful. Explore the notion that all people are equal and should be treated as such, regardless of their job, age, gender, nationality etc.

Compassion
Respect and kindness are similar, but compassion is all about empathising with others and offering support where necessary. For instance, if your elderly neighbour is struggling to carry their food shopping from the car into the house, encourage your child to help them. Remind them how important it is to support those who are less fortunate by helping them put things into perspective.

Optimism
An optimistic person will find it far easier to look for the positives in life, rather than dwelling on what could go wrong. Challenge any negative statements they make to help them alter their outlook. As an example, if they are worried about an exam at school, let them know that you are proud of them no matter what, because they have tried their best and studied hard. What will be will be, and if the exam doesn’t go well, there will always be another chance for them to try again.

Of course, these are just a few of many moral values with exploring with your child. You can also teach them the importance of honesty, loyalty, determination, and hard work, to name but a few. The best thing you can do is endeavour to be a good role model for your child, so that they learn how to behave by observing you.

*Collaborative Post

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