A list of values helps parents focus on specific principles they would like to teach their children. Making a list of values for kids may feel overwhelming. Remember that teaching values is something that a child learns throughout his or her lifetime.
Below you will find suggestions to help you make a list of values. Take a look at the example list of values, along with the ideas on how to teach using your own list.
Making a list of Values for Kids
· Take a moment and think about someone you admire.
· As you think of this person, write down attributes you appreciate.
· Next to this list, write the values that are associated with the qualities you admire.
· Talk to friends, families, teachers, and religious leaders. Ask and note what values they try to live by.
· Think of principles or standards that are important to you. Write down those that you would like to instill in your own children.
First write down every idea that comes to you. Later you can edit the list to your top ten or fifteen values to keep it manageable.
Example List of Values for Kids
The following list of values for kids is an example of principles that you might include on your list. These values are not in any particular order.
· Honesty
· Integrity
· Kindness
· Empathy
· Thankfulness
· Curiosity
· Respect
· Imagination
· Hard work
· Perseverance
· Faith
· Friendship
Notice that imagination and curiosity are part of the list for values. Values are not only principles and standards. They are also what we consider important in our lives and would like to pass on to our children. Keep this in mind as you make your own list of values.
Teaching Values with a List
Values are taught by example in the home. Review the values on your list. As you talk with and listen to your child, moments to teach values will present themselves.
Use these moments to help your child know what you think is right in a particular situation. Assist them as they think of ways to put values into action in their everyday lives.
A lesson with the family, teaching a different value from your list each week or month, is an additional way to help your children understand and learn values.
Music can help teach values on your list. Find a song with words that illustrate one of the values on your list. Listen to it in the car or at home. As the child becomes familiar with it, you can begin teaching the words.
As you learn the words together you may ask questions like the following:
· What does this song talk about?
· What is it trying to help us understand?
· What is a situation where you could apply this value?
Keep in mind that learning and teaching values is a life long endeavor. Don’t be discouraged; just be consistent. Live the values you want to teach. Expect and help your children to live them also.
