We asked babyworld members for their opinion on these values – which ones they hold dearest, and how they try to enforce them!
“Luckily my daughter (6) shows all of these, no doubt it will change
when she becomes a teenager. She is also very lazy though, so I would
like to teach her to do things for herself it bit more. My son is only
16 months so is yet to show any of these!” Olivia
“Personally, I think these are qualities some people have in bucketfuls
and others don’t have an ounce of. I try to be empathic, generous, honest,
responsible and respectful – sometimes I fail! I hope I’m teaching by
example. I encourage my children to share from an early age, to understand
about other people’s feelings. Having a few siblings helps with that I
think. My daughter is quite responsible and respectful, it’s in her nature,
whereas my boys are totally dishonest and think if they tell me black
is white often enough I’ll believe them! I think only time will tell whether
you’re doing the right thing or not, but if you aim to have these values
yourself then at least you’re setting the right example.” Sandra
“Alice (7) knows how to behave perfectly when we are out and shows all
of those values: she has her moments at home though! Isobel (4) shows
most of them but she has a real problem with showing respect and that
worries me. Yesterday at playgroup she called one of the ladies a big
fat person. I was horrified and explained to her why she shouldn’t do
it, as I have several times before in other embarrassing situations, and
unfortunately I know she will do it again – so obviously I don’t know
how to teach her respect. Good manners are very important to me. I think
mainly they see how you behave and learn from your example and you just
give them a nudge when they are getting it wrong.” Wendy
“It seems to me the only way to actually teach your child values is to
live them by example. You can talk to them until you are blue in the face
about tolerance, respect, understanding, empathy, etc, but if what they
see when they are with you is that you are not being all of those things,
then it won’t make a difference. For example, if you try to tell them
it’s important to learn to be patient and wait their turn but whenever
they are in the car with you or your partner they see you not letting
the other car in the lane first, or muttering derisively at other drivers,
or yelling at the light to change, or just generally being really impatient,
then why should they believe you?” KellieH
“I have a feeling this may be long!
- 1. Honesty above all else, no matter how bad it is.
- 2. Compassion.
- 3. Do your best – it’s always good enough for me.
- 4. Always look on the bright side, there are many out there far worse
off. - 5. Charity.
There are loads of values to teach them and many different situations
that arise in which a lesson can be learnt. I don’t know what is the right
or wrong way, but my kids seem to be doing OK and I get loads of compliments
about them.” Vix
Where to next
- Mushy moment – things toddlers say or do to make our hearts melt
- Why Love Matters – how love affects the brain emotionally and physiologically
- He’s the love of your life … but he drives you mad in the worst possible way!
