-
Step 1
Start them youngPay attention to your preschooler. Early childhood is often overlooked, but experts will tell you that much of the child's character is formed in the first three years. Start teaching them how you want them to be now! When my children were small, before I laughed or ignored something I would ask myself, "How would I feel about them doing this when they are older?" If it was still funny, I would let it pass. If not, I handled the situation immediately. Therefore, if you want them to be polite, start expecting it, teaching it, modeling it early.
-
Step 2
Useful Work HabitsDemonstrate work expectations of your child while they are still toddlers. They can hand you an item, put a toy in the box, help you fold hand towels and more. There are three rules to remember. Rule one is to work with them instead of telling them what to do and moving on to something else yourself. Rule two is to refrain from saying "it's easier to just do it myself" to them or within their hearing range. The third thing is to never let them see you redo it. If it must be redone, wait until they are gone and don't mention it. You can redo it with them to teach them, but make their work feel important. Show them a good work ethic in how you approach your housework or outside employment. Give it a value.
-
Step 3
Teach Your Children WellRemember to demonstrate please and thank you. At the same time, talk well of others in front of your child. Your manners will rub off on them. When you condemn, you teach them to condemn as well. They will learn to value what you value when you approach it in a positive way. Teach them how to respect their elders by giving them opportunities to relate with them.
-
Step 4
Look at your reflectionBe aware of your example. When you speak to them, lower your voice if you are angry or you will teach them to yell when they are mad. Do not call them names or put them down. Even the parents of the child are not perfect. You will see your reflection in your child's face when they speak to others.
-
Step 5
Teach them to helpAct on your beliefs. When you do good things for other people, whether it is volunteer work or just helping the neighbor, involve your child. If your child sees something that needs to be done, help them accomplish it. This will teach your children that, not only is doing a good deed a wonderful thing to do but that you value their judgment as well. Be the kind of person you want your child to be and the changes of that happening will increase.
-
Step 6
Spend time togetherSpend time with your child; it is the greatest gift you can give your child. Involve yourself in their lives, not as their friend but as their guide. Being a friend and having a fantastic relationship are two very different things. The time together, no matter how relaxed it is, is full of the teaching moments you need to raise a kind, positive, and productive child!
-
Step 7
Give them loveAnd the greatest of these is love.... Beyond anything else, children must live in a loving environment. They need the love of their parents to help them through the hard times and to share in the good times. The love of God is a great source of direction. Remember that love is not the absence of rules and discipline. Just as God shows His love through instruction and correction, we can show our love to our children through consistent, loving actions. If you don't openly express your love for your child, none of the rest of this article will matter!
Comments
2besure said
on 1/2/2009 What a great article. So needing with today's children.
Kathymcbain said
on 12/27/2008 Really superb tips on having positive and productive children!
ethoslogos said
on 12/23/2008 Wow! What a fantastic article on such an important topic. I wish every parent in the entire world would read and act on your wise and loving advice. What a better world we'd have then! 5* are not enough.