Peers, TV shows, movies, magazines…With so many external pressures facing kids at younger and younger ages, parents often wonder:
How can I get my children to listen to me…instead of the ‘cool’ kids at school?
How do I teach my child the importance of hard work, honesty, and humility?
How can I reach them when they get so many messages that seem to say, “Who you are is not as important as how good you look, and how many toys you have?”
There is hope. Using the following tips, parents can have a much stronger influence than any friend or TV commercial:
Tip #1: Instead of telling your kids how to live, show them.
Wise parents commit lots of honest, respectful, kind, and responsible acts in front of their kids. Simply stated, actions speak louder than words.
The next time another driver cuts you off or someone in your neighborhood needs help, treat the situation as an important opportunity to show your children how responsible, caring adults act.
Tip #2: Talk about your values when they’re eavesdropping.
What we say in front of our kids is more important than what we say to them…
Read more: Dr. Charles Fay, Love and Logic
