Many parents think that teaching preschoolers or toddlers about values is too soon for a child to be learning about these things. However, this is a major delusion most people have. Helping children learn about respect, honesty and responsibility is almost important as teaching them comprehension skills and reading. There are many useful and cherished values you can teach your child early on in order to help them handle peer pressure or pressure from society. It is highly important that you figure out which values you want to pass on to your kid and to find best ways to do so. One of the best methods all parents can use to teach their children is by setting an example. Kids look up to their parents when they are young and you should try and use the most out of this to pass the right message.

Truthfulness and honesty

Like I’ve said earlier, you must set an example for your kid and the best way to teach your child about honesty is if you are honest yourself. When children grow, there are many influences that can teach them to lie, such as friends or television and other media. Your job as a parent is to repel these influences and reinforce the value of honesty by setting an example to your kid. The best way you can do this is by honoring the promises you made to them. Put your kid on your level and keep your word while at the same time making it clear that you expect the same thing from them. Don’t be too strict because it can make them fear you and not admit being untruthful because of the potential consequences. Always applaud their courage to be honest, but make them face consequences for their actions.

Courtesy and consideration

These two values are probably the ones that children soak up the most from their parents. Children start learning about respect at a young age in home, when they see how their parents treat each other and how they handle themselves towards other people. 99 % of the time, a child will try to copy the behavior of its parents, meaning that if you watch your manners while around your kid, then it’s probable that it will also use polite phrases like “than you”, “you’re welcome” or “please”. Being considerate to other people will reflect on your kid also, so don’t make double standards and treat all people with respect and consideration. Make your kid understand that the world doesn’t revolve around them and that they should have respect for other people’s feelings and property and you will make them able to create normal and healthy relationships.

Gratitude

Children can become spoiled very easily. They can start taking others for granted and forget to show appreciation towards someone while neglecting their efforts. No matter how well situated you are financially, make your kid understand that things don’t come for free in life and that everything they do in life carries certain obligations. For example, when you buy them a present make sure to teach them to be thankful for it no matter how big or small it is. Nothing in life is a given, make sure that you pass this message to your kids and make them understand that if they are not thankful to their friends, that it is likely that they will lose them. Remind them that some presents are not for entertainment only but can help us express ourselves and create new things. Constantly remind your kid that life is a blessing and that food, family, love and friends are not something everyone has. Once you have made this clear, your kid will start to appreciate what he has.

The last thing you should teach your children is to appreciate love. People are not naturally affectionate and loving but this is an emotion which needs to be endorsed in a person. This is why parents should demonstrate their love for other people while at the same time showing great affection towards their children. Surprise your kids with unexpected gestures that can show them that you care about them and that they are always on your mind. I hope this text helps you transfer desired values to your kids.