Role of Family in inculcating values

Children generally learn by listening, observing and imitating their parents. They reciprocate in the same manner what their parents do, talk and act. Hence it is imperative that parents should be good role models the children would want to follow.

However, most of the parents have miserably failed in parenting and inculcating morals and values in children resulting in lack of responsibility including civic responsibility, growing crimes and delinquency etc. We have seen in the news even minor boys have been committing rapes, theft and robbery etc. So, imparting values at family by the parent is imperative.

Important values to be inculcated:

Values are qualities that guide judgement and behaviour of a person. In times of crisis, values help him distinguish right from wrong and take the right (ethical) decision. Values are shaped by parenting or influenced by the family.

For instance, parents shall inculcate in children:

The qualities of giving and taking, friendship, sportsmanship, and concern for others
Words “thanks‟, “sorry‟, and ‟welcome‟

Parents shall inculcate some very important qualities which are essential for being a good human being:

Kindness
To be courageous
Leadership qualities
Responsibility
Discipline
Respect
Self-management
To be honest and truthfulness

According to Dr Rose T. Watson, “those children who are cuddled and communicated with on a regular basis grow up to be more confident individuals.”

How to inculcate values in children?

Development of a child requires patience. Parents should develop good values, habits and character and repeat them regularly so that children imitate the same. Children make mistakes in the process of developing but parents should gracefully address them.
Possessing a positive mindset is crucial especially during the initial years of a child.
Parents shall reward a child for his good behaviour. Rewarding motivates the child repeat or exhibit the same character again. But, the reward should not be in materialist form (money, buying bicycles, chocolates, ice-creams etc.). It should be intangible like giving a hug, patting shoulders, a word of appreciation which will teach him that happiness lies in enriching experiences rather than worldly pleasures.
If parents read biographies of successful personalities always, the child will also imitate and learn the habit of reading books in general and the biographies in particular.
Parents shall teach moral stories, the essence of epics and Puranas to children, which will impact them a lot in times of crisis.
Parents shall regularly monitor the child’s habits and ensure happy environment prevails at home always.