Moral Values: A Tool for Self-development and Growth
Moral values are one of the important characteristics that shape an individual and dictate their actions and overall lifestyle. Without discipline, morals and values, achieving self-development cannot be plausible.
Moral values help an individual to discriminate right from wrong and guide them to make necessary decisions. Most of the troubles and unrest that the world has been witnessing today are because of the lack of adherence to moral conduct. Moral values must be instilled in children so that they can act and make informed decisions when situations and challenges present themselves. But instilling moral values goes beyond decision-making and taking action. Here are some of the reasons why moral values should be inculcated among children.
Positive Characteristics:
Inculcating moral values instils positive characteristics in children. A positive personality includes kindness, empathy, forgiveness, patience, etc. These qualities develop in personality traits which will make them approachable when they grow up to be adults.
Discriminating right and wrong:
All of us are presented with choices but only with moral values are we able to discriminate between what"s good for us and what is not. Sometimes, the decision we make can cause some form to us or others, to avoid such mishaps, children must be taught moral values which will enable them to discriminate between right and wrong to aid decision making.
Provides perspective:
Moral values enable children to have a perspective on the situations they are facing. Moral lessons help them have a wider perspective which helps them come up with a solution after gauging the problem from all sides.
Self-confidence:
Confidence stems from deep-rooted values which are instilled in our children. Once their decisions take shape based on the values they have been taught, they will be confident about the decisions they take and stand tall among the crowd.
Channelise energy in the right direction:
Having moral values can help students healthily channelise their energy. Often when children get upset, they tend to throw tantrums, misbehave or even go on a destructive spree. This can be avoided when a sense of morality is bestowed on them.
Overcome negative peer pressure:
As stated earlier, moral values can aid in discriminating right from wrong. When with a social group, children will tend to do things or comply with a group just to fit in, even if it means doing unethical things. The essence of moral values will help find a better company and not be swayed by negative peer pressure.
Raising children is a demanding and challenging task, we all agree on that. So this leads us to the question, how do we inculcate and instill moral values among children? Here are some of the simplest ways that should help you out.
Communicate clearly:
Avoid giving cryptic messages and be clear with the lesson you intend to teach. Lack of clarity in the message will leave them confused and the whole effort of instilling moral values will be futile.
Be the role model:
When you stick to your ideals, your children will follow suit. Merely rendering advice won"t be as effective as walking the talk. Stand true to your values and follow them through, this will inspire them and follow in your footsteps.
Appreciate good behaviour:
Appreciation is one of the best motivators. If you see your child behave well or do something good, ensure you appreciate them. This appreciation will inspire them to practice moral values and have a bigger goal.
Bring the lessons to practice:
Sharing good virtues and the result of it should be shown practically so that the children see the result of good actions and how impactful it is for society at large. When the lessons are practiced, the children are more responsible and sensitive towards others. Therefore, everything they do or decide will be a thorough thought before going ahead with the decision.
Share moral experiences:
Providing real-life experiences and examples will be instrumental in getting the children into the path of righteousness. When we share certain live examples, we establish a connection with the children by sharing relatable experiences, therefore inspiring them to hold on to moral values.
As parents, it is natural to feel that your child gets access to the best education, skills development, etc., but it is also essential that you teach them with moral values which allow them to wield the knowledge and skills they learnt in the right direction and avoid misusing the same for unethical gains.