Teaching children the value of things can be challenging for parents, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Children today experience a very different world than those who grew up in the 80s and 90s. Parenting has changed, and many parents struggle to instill important life values in their children.
Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded.
Jess Lair
In today’s world, parents need to teach their kids about values and the significance of even the smallest things in life. This education helps children become responsible and valuable members of society. Children learn values mainly by watching you and observing your actions. They notice what you prioritize and will form their own opinions about what is important. No matter what you consciously try to teach them, your kids will develop a strong sense of what they believe their parents value most. More: Empowering children: Teach kids to say ‘No’ safely and respectfully
Teaching children the value of things: Guiding their decision-making skills
You don’t need to wait for a specific age to teach your child about the value of things. It’s best to start as early as possible. When you go shopping, help your child understand that they need to pay money for the items they want before leaving the store. This approach will help them avoid collecting unnecessary things.
You can also give them a piggy bank to fill with coins. Once they save enough, let them spend it on something they want. Kids need to learn the right words and ideas related to money. Values can feel abstract until kids see how they apply to their own lives, which often involve choices that reflect their values.
For example, should your 6-year-old break plans with a friend to take a more exciting invitation? How much help should your 8-year-old get from you on a school project? Should your 10-year-old leave his soccer team halfway through the season to join a more competitive one, knowing it will hurt his current team? Should your 12-year-old invite a girl to her birthday party who some others dislike, even though she went to that girl’s party? Should your 14-year-old report classmates cheating on a test? Should your 16-year-old volunteer for a cause she doesn’t care about just to enhance her college applications?
Helping your child navigate these decisions is how they develop their values. Use these moments to support your child in making thoughtful choices, which will help them grow. More: How moral values provide a safe harbor?
Helping children understand the value of time and belongings
Quick and simple activities with instant rewards can help young children see that their time is valuable. As they grow older, tasks may take longer, and the rewards, like money, may become greater. This understanding can lead to a strong work ethic in adulthood. For example, you can reward them with a treat, like ice cream or chocolate, after they finish a task. Giving praise and encouragement also boosts their confidence and motivates them to keep up good behavior. More: The power of sincere gratitude
It’s crucial to help children connect time with value while they’re young. If they spend time on something, it should feel valuable to them. Children learn a lot by copying adults, especially their parents. To guide them, demonstrate the behavior you want to see. At home, you can show them how to take care of their things. For instance, when you take off your jacket, gently hang it up to keep it clean. This simple act teaches them that caring for something shows appreciation and value for that item. More: Tarot Card Reading: Key insights and methods
Teach them responsibility
Every day, parents have many chances to teach children to take responsibility for themselves and their things. A great starting point is getting dressed in the morning. You can let your child help pick out their clothes and shoes. While you do this, discuss why it’s important to take care of our bodies and the clothes we wear.
You can also involve your child in chores around the house, like picking up dishes or folding laundry. These activities help them become more independent and teach them to respect and value their belongings.
Sometimes, we forget that children may not know what we expect from them. For example, while it seems obvious to adults not to pull flowers from their stems, a child may be curious and want to learn more about flowers in that way.
Children might accidentally damage a toy because they are excited to have it. Make sure to explain that they should treat their toys “gently” and “with care.” If they receive a new toy for their birthday, remind them to show respect for it and explain what that means. More: Explaining divorce to children: Tips for a healthy conversation
