Exploring Moral Values with your child

Helping your child develop a strong moral compass enables them to decipher right from wrong and ensures they grow into kind, considerate members of society. The morals that children learn in their early years will form who they become as an adult, therefore it is important to be a good role model as they will look to you for guidance. You will have your own thoughts on the most important morals to teach your child, and these are likely to reflect your own. There is no right or wrong way to approach moral development, though teaching the basics can have a ripple effect to inspire further moral development. To help you get started, here are some great tips from an independent school in Hertfordshire. 

Listening 

Teach your child that it is important to listen when people are speaking. This is not only important for their academic growth and safety, it also enables them to connect with people more deeply and develop functional social skills. Listening to others encourages empathy and understanding as children get an insight into the thoughts and feelings of someone else. 

Respect 

Teach your child the importance of respecting others, regardless of their differences. Make sure they use good manners when addressing both adults and children. It is quite common for children to let their manners slip when speaking to their friends or peers, perhaps because they know that there will be no repercussion. Encourage them to get into the habit of using manners at all times as this will familiarise them with the idea that everyone is worthy of equal respect. 

Gratitude 

This extends beyond simply saying ‘thank you’ when they receive something. Practicing gratitude will allow your child to have a more optimistic mindset and they are likely to be more accepting and compliant when things don’t go their way. A simple exercise is to have your child list three things they are grateful for each day, be it at night before they go to sleep, or as things come to them throughout the day. This will train their minds to look for positive experiences even in the most seemingly uneventful days.

Thanks for reading xxx