12 Secrets of Successful Families -Conclusion of 7. Values

WHAT YOU CAN DO

State your moral values.   For example, research shows that teenagers are more likely to abstain from premarital sex if they have been given a clear message that such conduct is wrong.

TIP:  Use a current event to initiate a discussion about values.  For example, if the news reports a hate crime, you could say:  "It's horrible the way some people show such anger toward others. How do you think people become like that?" 

"It's a lot harder  for children to choose between right and wrong if they don't know  what is right or wrong." -Brandon.

Teach ethical values.    Even younger children can learn to say "please" and "thank you" and to show regard for others.  "The more children see that they are part of something larger than themselves--a  family, a school community- the more readily they perform acts of kindness that benefit everyone not just themselves,"  says the book Parenting Without Borders.

TIP:  Assign chores to your children to help them learn the value of serving others.

"If our children get used  to doing chores now, they won't be shocked when they live on their own.  taking care of responsibilities will already be a part of their lives." -Tara. 

Next time: 12 Secrets of Successful Families - 8. Example

From the jw.org publications