Family Values

Strong family values may include:

  • Integrity
  • Honesty
  • Trustworthiness
  • Reliability
  • Commitment
  • Respectfulness
  • Self-discipline
  • Loyalty
  • Gratitude
  • Tenacity
  • Selflessness
  • Kindness
  • Patience
  •  Humility
  • Peacefulness
  • Happiness
  • A sense of humor
  • Moderation
  • Using money wisely
  • Taking responsibility for actions
  • Sharing the chores
  • Maintaining positive attitudes
  • Communicating feelings in an acceptable way
  • Using good manners at all times
  • Self-motivation
  • Maintaining positive communication

Values are the foundation on which our lives need to be built. They are the force that guides society, the standard by which we judge something to be right or wrong.

Each family needs to decide what values they want to live by. The easiest way to determine your family’s values is to decide as a couple, before children, what things you feel are important rules/principles to live by. Personal value priorities vary, and when they are chosen, they need to be adhered to. All values must include  societal and legal expectations. 
After both parents have sprioritized a set of strong family’s values, discuss the consequences you will adopt if these values are compromised. Don’t forget to ask your children for their contribution. You may have overlooked some strategic values. Consequences should always match the severity of the breach and consistency is essential. For example, you may decide that telling the truth is your top priority. Therefore, apply the harshest consequence to lying, and so on down the scale.
Make a list or family shield depicting your family values, laminate it, and hang it in a prominent place. Refer to your values often and discuss them during family meetings (like dinner time). Use affirmation and positive reinforcement when you see your children complying with these values.

How do we teach our children family values?

  • Identify the values / beliefs / rules you want your family to follow.
  • Explain to your children what all the values mean.
  • Explain the benefits of complying with these values.
  • Explain the consequences when values are not being adhered to and reinforce them consistently.
  • Model them as parents; get help if necessary.
 
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