Children are like clay, which can be moulded in every way you want. It is very difficult for adults to change themselves or their bad habits, but this is easier in the case of children. Children are the reflection of their parents. Whatever the parents do, children repeat the same. And this is the correct time to inculcate good values and good habits in them. They pick up language, manners, tradition, culture from the surroundings they grow up and become adults. Therefore, parents must always be mindful of their behaviour, when their children are around them.
Good habits and manners decide the child’s future. It is very essential to develop good habits in your child as these will remain with him and stay for the rest of the life. Here, I am listing the ways to inculcate good values in your child.
1. Start with the fundamentals
Before, inculcating other habits, your child should learn basic habits like good hygiene, brushing teeth, washing hands before and after having meals or breakfast. Teach them to take shower daily by themselves, and the very basic etiquettes and manners such as the value of sorry, thank you etc.
2. Be a role model
Keep in mind that you are the role model as your child will learn the maximum habits from you. So, you need to be perfect at what you want to teach your child. Maintain a soft and calm attitude towards everyone when your child is with you.
3. Always be positive
There may come situations when your child has committed some mistakes, don’t be negative. Besides shouting at him, talk to him, give him some time and tell him why he is wrong with some other examples. Children are blessings of God, irrespective of their talents. Instead of thinking, what they can’t do, focus on what they can do.
4. Set strict rules
It is your responsibility to make your child’s future secure. So, it is very essential to set rules for your childlike, do not allow him to watch TV for longer hours, set a specific time for their entertainment, playing & studying. Time plays a crucial role in our lives, so teach your child to value time.
5. Teach the difference between good and bad
You will not be there with your child always. You child have to decide alone about what is right and what is wrong in future. So, this is the right time to teach them what is good and what is not. Your lessons will help them overcome every difficult situation in life.
6. Trust in your child’s capabilities
90% of the parents have higher expectations more than their child’s ability and think of themselves as a failure when their child is not able to fulfil their expectations. You need to explore your child’s ability and talents. Every child is unique in their way. So, trust his capabilities and give them support.
7. Encourage a healthy diet
The most important aspect of growing up is making a healthy food choice. Educate your child about the value and benefits of a nutritious diet. It will make them conscious of what they eat and become a ‘lifetime’ good habit. He will never develop fatal diseases if, their food choices are healthy.
8. Physical activities
It includes activities like gardening, household works, exercises, yoga, art send crafts etc. These days children have to spend time all indoors due to pandemic. So, don’t allow them to get demotivated. Keep them involved in all works in the home and play indoor games with them.
9. Reward your child
It will be great, if you reward your children for good habits and manners. It will help them to keep motivated and maintain their best behaviour at all times. Make your rewards intangible – a hug, words of appreciation etc., so that they can learn the value of these precious feelings.
10. Encourage family bonding
Family time is essential for a growing child. Spend exclusive family times by planning get-togethers, family functions, long drive, going out with them, and tours. Teach them table manners by taking meals together.
“ It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings.” -Ann Landers
By – Sanchayita Chattopadhyay
