Help your child bring their values to life

WHAT’S GOING ON?

Values are what we truly find important in life. As a consequence, they are what we prioritize, and are motivated to work for – where we spend our time, money and energy. We have values in different realms, including: personal (e.g. health, knowledge, independence); social (respect, fairness); relationships (friendship, family, community); and materials (money, toys).

Although we feel our values on a deeply personal level, in fact, they are highly influenced by our social environments. (1) Children observe not just what all these sources say and do, but how it seems to work out for them, and how others react. As your children are developing their values throughout childhood, it is important to be aware of:

The values you are modeling (more important that what you're saying)
How you discuss values you observe in the world and in stories you read and watch
The values modeled and taught by your child's school, peers and activities, such as sports teams etc.

Sometimes parents feel they don't have as much influence over values as your child's peers or the media, but this isn't true. Research shows that the stronger your relationship with your child, the more they adopt and filter the rest of the world through values they've learned from you.(2) And, when kids have high self-esteem and feel their 'love-tanks' are full from home, they choose friends with better values, and are more able to resist negative peer pressure.

How does this apply to your child?

Get info and tips specifically for your child’s grade. LOGIN below, or SIGN UP – it’s free!

Welcome back!

Forgot your password?

Get Postcards - FREE

Search Postcards

Get in touch.