Raising children with good values can seem like a daunting task for any parent. It takes consistent effort and dedication to instill in our kids the skills, morals, and ethics that will help them become successful adults.

I still remember that initial feeling of trepidation when my first child was born – how was I going to give them the best possible start in life? But as time has gone on, I’ve come to realize that it’s more about providing practical guidance and thoughtfully leading by example than it is about regimented parenting techniques.

In this blog post, you'll find some essential tips to consider when it comes to raising your children with good values. From teaching respect and kindness to encouraging self-expression, these ideas will help you create a positive atmosphere where your kids can thrive while learning the important values that will help them succeed in life. Let's dive into these tips and explore how you can make a difference

Instill Good Moral Habits

One of the most effective and rewarding methods for teaching children moral behavior is to recognize it immediately when it occurs. Modeling desired behaviors in the moment can be highly impactful, so take those opportunities to celebrate your child’s good choices and tell them why their actions are important.

For example, when he was four my oldest asked an elderly lady if he could help her with her bags when we were waiting with her at the lights to cross the street. I was as surprised as she was (and in truth he couldn’t help much with his little arms!) Afterwards I gave him a big high five and told him he was exactly the kind of young man I wanted him to be. It was a small act of kindness, yet one that will stay with me forever… and now that lady is actually a friend and even babysits for us occasionally! Little man is making waves!

Props again go to Mel Robinson for the high five method. I learnt from her that a simple high five can and does have more impact on how a child reacts and understands praise (and how an adult does as well!) in her book ‘high five habit’. Thank you Mel!

Share Life and Literature Stories

Parents and teachers have been using stories since written history began to impart moral lessons. This process has been going on long before books were even invented. Our minds are designed to understand things through stories and our societies focus so much on conveying information through stories. As you tell your little ones the tales of your life and stories about the world around you, it's an opportunity to convey values and ethics to your children. Talking about what they see around them – TV, books, media – reinforces those values further still.

Listening to their own experiences at school or with peers gives them a chance to help guide them toward making wise decisions. It's important to also be aware of what stories you tell other adults, as your children are keenly attuned to these anecdotes and how they indicate your values in action.

I messed up a little the other day talking to a friend on the phone and reminiscing about some high school shenanigans we were both involved in… (I managed to get expelled from primary school, high school…twice… and yes even from kindergarten!)... my youngest was in the other room playing. But sure enough she overheard me and asked why I had jumped out of a window at school and almost landed on Mrs Wing (our art teacher).. ‘Wasn’t that dangerous Daddy?’.
Well cue an awkward conversation and a lesson learnt from me. Be careful where you talk and about what, they are always listening.

Use Teaching Moments

The most profound lessons we learn in life often come unexpectedly. We can use these moments as opportunities to pass on the moral values that will shape our children's behavior and character for years to come. Despite the bombardment of opposing messages from media sources, it is essential that our children have a strong foundation of moral values rooted in love and compassion. These values don't need to be taught through formal lectures; rather, look for teachable moments throughout everyday life -- TV shows, movies, newspapers, and literature -- all offer ways to discuss your beliefs with your children if you are paying attention and recognize your own values. Embracing these unexpected moments allows us to unlock our potential and find strength in what truly matters most. By being mindful of this, we can foster a deep understanding of our shared human experience.

My daughter and I were walking through the park on a beautiful Saturday morning when we stumbled upon a large, colorful butterfly flitting from flower to flower. She was captivated by its beauty, so she asked me about it. I told her that the butterfly was an important part of nature and had gone through an amazing transformation in order to be what it was now.

I explained to her that the butterfly had been a caterpillar when it first came into being, and then all of a sudden one day it had spun itself into a tightly woven cocoon. It stayed in this safe place while its body changed and wings grew, until eventually it emerged as the beautiful creature we saw before us.

Later that week she told me that going to school was like her cocoon, she was going to change from a kid to a ‘bigun’ (adult for the uninitiated!)... I melted!

Implement the idea of the Golden Rule.

One of the most important lessons we can teach our children is to practice the idea of the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This simple statement means that we should treat others the way we want to be treated by them. By teaching children this concept at a young age, they will learn to show kindness and respect toward their peers, family members, and strangers alike. They will also gain an understanding of how their words and actions affect other people positively or negatively. Furthermore, practicing the Golden Rule can help children develop empathy, compassion, trustworthiness, and integrity throughout their lives. It is essential for parents to explain what it means to follow this rule and how it applies to their daily life.

Prioritize Good Character and Morality Daily

Children are not born with a sense of morality, but they can be nurtured by example and practice. Guide your children to become agents of love and kindness in the world around them. Show them how their actions have the power to make significant changes for the betterment of others. Help them understand that true character comes from within when we embody our chosen moral principles in our daily lives without needing constant guidance from adults. By emphasizing such values and encouraging repeated positive behaviors, parents can nurture a lifetime of virtuous behavior in their children.

For example, my daughter and I recently volunteered at an animal shelter and was incredibly proud when she saw how well-cared for the animals were after her shift was over - that experience helped her recognize the importance of selflessness and compassion (and we got to play with dogs all day!)

Be a Role Model

Parents, your children look up to you as their moral compass and example. Lead by example and show them the path of righteousness. Demonstrate values such as respect, integrity, and kindness in your own life, and strive to be a role model for your children to follow. Taking time to reflect on our own behavior can help us become more conscious of how we interact with our children, teaching them valuable lessons along the way.

Encourage Them to Help Others

While stories of kids behaving badly may make headlines, the reality is that many children are quietly performing good deeds on a regular basis. These actions can be as simple as lending an ear to a friend who's feeling down or volunteering at their local community center.

It's important to nurture positive behaviors such as doing something kind for someone else, even if it's just giving a reassuring pat on the shoulder when they're feeling low. At the same time, it's vital to talk about why gossiping and bullying are damaging acts that not only hurt those who suffer from them but also those who perpetrate them. Doing this will help create understanding and empathy between peers.

Consider the Effects of Behaviors

It is our responsibility to nurture and develop our children's moral compass. One of the best ways to do this is by showing them how their actions affect others. Pointing out the impact of the child’s behavior on the other person can have a lasting effect on their development as an individual. Being able to ask "How would you feel if someone did that to you?" or "Do you think he/she liked what you said? " are effective questions that help your child understand how their behavior impacts those around them. By being able to put themselves in someone else's shoes, they become more sensitive toward others' feelings and experiences.

I remember when my son was younger and had taken something from his sister without asking; we were able to use this scenario to teach him the importance of respect and consideration for others…

Offer Opportunities for Practicing

Children must be taught about developing good character before it becomes second nature for them. Witnessing examples of moral behavior and learning values directly are excellent starting points for this journey of self-discovery. But ultimately, the best way for kids to become aware of the true meaning of a character is through hands-on experience. When your child has the opportunity to make a decision (say, having to choose between two friends' birthday parties that are on the same day), help her take ethical action and see the positive results in her daily life.

One of ours was faced with this very dilemma, we asked her ‘what do you want to do?’ I could almost hear the little cogs in her brain whirring round as she thought it through. ‘Well, Katie asked me first, but Maisie is my best friend. Can I go to Katie’s in the morning and join Maisie’s just after lunch but before they cut the cake?’
A couple of quick calls later and it was agreed, best of all I didn’t even have to think (and big thank you to Maisie’s parents for moving the cake cutting to 3pm! Lifesavers, thank you!).

Apply Discipline as a Moral Example

Try to make your child understand the concept of stealing by play-acting with their favorite toys. For example, if your child has a toy car they love, pretend to "steal" it from them and ask your little one how it would feel if someone really did take the car away. Would it be fair? Explain why not, emphasizing the importance of respecting other people's personal belongings.

Effective discipline ensures that the child not only recognizes why their behavior was wrong but also how to make it right in the future. By asking thoughtful questions and encouraging kids to consider another person's perspective, we can help them expand their understanding of consequences and morality. Guide each child on a journey of self-reflection: “Was this decision truly good? How could we do it better next time?” Through meaningful dialogue and taking responsibility for mistakes made, children can learn valuable life lessons and develop into compassionate individuals.

Raising children with good values is an important part of parenting. Taking the time to instill these values in your children can help them grow into successful and responsible adults. With just a few simple tips, you can ensure that your child has a strong moral foundation that will serve them well throughout their lives. Above all, remember to be consistent in teaching these values, show love and understanding to your child, and create an environment that encourages healthy decision-making.

It's no easy journey and you will make mistakes. Try not to be too hard on yourself for slipping up every now and then. You are doing a great job. Nobody is perfect and you don’t have to be either. I have made so so so many mistakes! We do okay though and just by reading this blog you show that you want to do better too! Sign up for free and you’ll be able to take part in our giveaways, get notified about our new blog posts and join us on our journey through time and to become better parents!