How Teaching Family Values Gives Your Child an Inner Compass

What sort of values do you teach? In my family, we talk about the importance of honesty, integrity, forgiveness, generosity, caring, conservation, respect for the earth and other forms of life. One of the ways we encourage expression of these values is through our family mission statement

Although such values are expressions of a mature adult who has realized her responsibility to life and her place in it, children possess the burgeoning integrity to operate from these values.

Even though I use every opportunity to model or discuss important values, I am tickled when I witness my children making such life-affirming choices on their own.

Although making healthy choices is a function of development of consciousness, I see my children choosing generosity over selfishness, forgiveness over blame and integrity over dishonesty all the time.

Of course teaching family values requires that you become an exemplary role model. If you're not acting from the values you espouse, then your children will learn that hypocriscy is acceptable.

In the articles below, I explore essential family values. Before you click on the links, be sure to subscribe to Family Matters! Parenting Magazine, so you'll stay informed and be able to read all our original content. Get a copy of my award-winning parenting book, so you'll have a firm basis of understanding of parenting, our role as stewards and how to transform the process into a privilege and unique opportunity for deep personal growth.

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Didn't find the exact family values information you were looking for? Search the web below:

• Teaching Children Responsibility: What Parents Need to Know

• Teaching Family Values: The Value of Generosity