"My mother was the most
beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my
success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received
from her." - George Washington
There should be a moral
connection between parents and their children, because the connected child
begins their moral growth with some fundamental qualities like trust and
sensitivity. These type of "early values" make it easier for parents
to teach a child the "dos and don’ts" of existence. Moral parents can
let the child understand right from wrong, and what’s expected per
circumstance; thus the child believes unequivocally that "what daddy or
mummy" says is right. It’s wrong to bully as long as mummy says it is; and
it’s right if daddy says comforting a hurting child is.
The first 5 or so years of
growing children are a window of opportunity that they unquestionably accept
the values and virtues modeled by parents. What happens when children receive
one “morality lecture” daily in their early years? Check this out for example.
Keilah hurts her finger. “Let’s help her feel better.” Your son takes his
friend’s ball. “Tommy feels sad because you took his favourite ball.” or “How
would you feel if Tommy took your ball?”
Initially a child believes
behaviours are right or wrong because you tell him or her so, or they considers
the consequences. By five years of age your child begins to internalize your
values: what’s right for you becomes right for them. Your values, virtuous or
not, become part of your child.
Parents listen; you are the mirror
your children will reflect all through their lives, paint a good picture. There
will always be a part of you popping up in them from time to time, ensure it’s
the better part.
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