How to Raise Morally Sound Children

How to Raise Morally Sound Children

 Are you sure your children will not lie?  Can they ever cheat? Can they shoplift? Can they indulge in drugs? All parents want their children to have high moral values and ethics. But are the parents doing enough to ensure the same? How to teach them what is correct and what is incorrect? Children have an exposure to media; they learn from the society, they are influenced by peers. How can parents keep a check on so many things? What can be done as parents to ensure that children are making morally correct choices? Of course, parents can do a lot to raise the children into mature, socially responsible individuals. Right guidance by parents plays a pivotal role in shaping the character of the child.

1. Children can resort to lying to get away from small punishments or embarrassments.When it works for them, they make it a habit which continues till adulthood. Explain to them that if they habitually lie they will be suspected even when they are speaking the truth. They’ll lose faith and trust of people.

2. It is also common for children to be tempted to cheat in examinations. Make your children understand that if they cheat to clear exams, they will face problems in the next higher class and subsequently when they appear for job interviews.  Parents can help their children to learn and prepare for examinations. If they are not getting good grades, identify where the problem lies. Help them with studies or look for a good tutor. Teaching children requires time and patience but the results are worth the effort.

3. Keep warning teenagers about the hazards associated with tobacco, drugs and alcohol. Keep the children adequately busy .Encourage them to indulge in gainful activities and cultivate hobbies. Playing games regularly, reading, playing musical instruments, dancing etc have positive impact development of children. If the kids have a meaningful pastime activity, they are less likely to indulge in drugs.

4. Listen to children’s problems with patience. This will help them build their trust on parents. They will grow up into patient and tolerant human beings and learn to deal with others politely. Avoid scolding or reprimanding children unreasonably. If children make mistakes it is always wiser to explain them the reasons why such behavior should not be repeated in future. Explaining firmly always works better in the longer run as compared to punishing.

5. As a parent resolve not to follow any wrong practices in home, office or society as children learn from example and are likely to follow your footsteps. Emphasize that the path of truth may be difficult to follow but it is the right thing to do.

6. Help and assist them in discriminating against right and wrong .Insist that they should always follow the right path. With time and constant reinforcements they will develop a conscious which will not permit them to go astray.

 As an individual you may have no control over the society, their exposure to media, the peer group, but you can play a very important role in inculcating in your child a sense of her or correct verses incorrect. With a little consistent effort over a period of time you can make him into a morally sound individual.

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