How to Teach Children About Virtues

Every parent wants to raise a child who is kind, respectful and honest.

Teaching morals to a child can sometimes be tricky, but it is a crucial part of being a parent. Raising a child to be a kind, considerate person is one of the most rewarding experiences of parenthood. The sooner children understand the concept of virtues, the sooner they can begin making better decisions. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your child to be virtuous to help transform him into a functional adult in society.

Instructions

1. Model good behavior. Obey the same moral rules that you teach your child. If you teach your child that it is immoral to lie, you must not get caught in one yourself, or you will lose credibility in the eyes of your child. She may come to wonder why you expect her to be virtuous, if she witnesses you engaging in those very behaviors you have said are off limits for her.

2. Talk to your child about the importance of virtuous behavior. Tell your child that it is important to always be honest and to treat others with respect. Use opportunities such as storybook plots or movies to discuss with him what is right and what is wrong.

3. Respect your child and make it clear to her that you expect respect in return. According to researchers at Ohio State University, requiring courtesy and respect from your child can help her realize that respect should be given to adults and caregivers.

4. Help your child identify his emotions. According to Marianne Neifert of Parenting.com, a child who understands his own feelings will be able to identify emotions in others, which helps develop empathy. With your child, describe the emotions you see him expressing, such as, "I know you are sad because you are looking down at the floor and pouting. Do you want to tell me what's wrong?" This will help your child learn the words he needs to describe feelings later on.

5. Give your child household chores that are appropriate for her age, so she can understand the importance of responsibility, and encourage her to volunteer for a service project or donate to a charity.

References

• Kaboose; Raising Moral Kids; Elisa Medhus
• Parenting.com; Raising a Moral Child; Marianne Neifert
• Ohio State University: Rearing Moral Children