Values: Part Two

Yesterday, I posted a piece on values and a few ideas of hands on activities that enforce them. After posting it, I came across an article from Parents magazine that discussed the same topic. Since we already started the discussion, I figured I would share some of their ideas. Respect, for me, is a very important value in any stage of a person’s life. Parents Magazine suggests you help your child learn to respect their elders by visiting a retirement community. Bake a few muffins or cookies and hand deliver them with a smile. You could also help brighten the days of the community by allowing your child put on a musical or dance recital. This will not only teach your child kindness and respect, but also perseverance. Practice makes perfect!

Parents Magazine also has a great idea to help kids learn responsibility. Since there are not many chores that children can do on their own, why not make one up. Parents Magazine suggests you have a toy wash. Gather your child’s washable toy and place them in a soapy sink. Let them wash their toys, rinse them off, and dry them. This will teach children responsibility and that chores can be “fun”.

Another good idea from Parent’s magazine is one that I’ve had my children do since they were old enough to hold a crayon. Creating a homemade card is not only fun, but it can also teach children gratitude and sympathy. My girls, 3 and 5, now make cards on their own without any prompting. They use paper, crayons, stickers, and whatever they can get their hands on. They love trying to make people feel better by drawing them a picture or creating a card to say thank you. What kind of activities do you do to help enforce the values you teach at home? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!