How to Cultivate Family Values

Regardless of religious views, most parents want their children to grow up with a strong moral center and a sense of right and wrong. Often called "family values," these are usually ideas such as behaving honestly, working hard, being kind to others and standing up for those who can't speak for themselves. Learning how to cultivate family values can help you to raise strong, upstanding children.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide what values are the most important to you and what type of people you hope your children will be. Be certain that the values you want to instill in your child are things that you feel are significant.

2. Agree between yourself and your spouse (or the other adults involved in raising your child) agree on the values that you're teaching. Research shows that children take values training most seriously if they see that the significant adults in their lives also think that those values are important. However, even if you're the only person stressing a certain character trait, it will still benefit your child.

3. Seek out other role models for your child who exhibit good values. A coach, mentor or teacher can make huge impact on your child's perception of what's right and good.

4. Discuss your family's values with your children. These don't have to be in-depth conversations. Simple observations about the world or the behavior of others can go a long way.

5. Talk to your child about why certain values are important. If children know the reasons behind the good choices you want them to make, they're more likely to make those choices.

6. Model the family values that you want to teach your child. If you tell your children to be honest and they catch you lying, the behavior dilutes your message and they may not take you seriously.

Resources

• Building strong families.
• Teach family values.

[vallain]

on 11/6/2008 good advice. I appreciate that it isn't tied just to religion.