The power of parental values and norms

Parental values and norms influence developmental paths of children to become responsible adults. Parents are the first teachers in a child’s life. They direct, correct, and help their children in every way possible. Based on my own experience, the values raised by parents in their children are firmly rooted in their lives.

One of the most important values parents teach is respect. I remember growing up, my parents always told me to respect elders, teachers, and people around me. They taught me to greet properly, speak politely, and listen when others are talking. Even now, I see the importance of respect in everyday life. It helps in relationships, work, and society.

Another key value is honesty. Parents are widely insistent on adhering to truth in any context. I recall that one time when at home breakage occurred. I was scared, but my mother told me she would not be angry if I told the truth. She explained that lying would only make things worse. I learned that lesson, and I strive to be truthful in all my actions.

Both images are mine
Parents also teach the value of hard work. They are promoting their children to be hardworking (not lazy). I have witnessed my parents get up very early every day in order to work. I learned that there is no such thing as easy and I have to make an effort to accomplish what I want.

Love and kindness are also important values. The parents train their children to be compassionate, to share, and to care for those in need. I've observed my mother helping the poor and needy, even when she herself had little. That act of kindness taught me to always be generous and compassionate.

Discipline is another major norm parents uphold. They correct their children when they go wrong, not because they want to punish them, but because they want them to be better. I have had moments when I was corrected, and though it was not easy at the time, I later realized it was for my own good.

Responsibility is something parents also teach. They set children limited chores to do, such as washing up, tidying the house or to mind younger siblings. This has the effect of making children learn to be accountable for their behaviour and responsible to the family and to society.

Faith and spirituality are also part of parental norms. Loads of parents raise their children to pray, to believe in God, and to live in accordance with the good morals. My parents always told me to pray at good and bad times and it has kept me going in life.

Parent's norms and values have a major influence on a child's future. They help build character, guide decisions, and prepare children for life. I am thankful for values that my parents instilled in me, and I am dreaming one day that I will be able to teach the same values to my own kids. Parents may not be all that they're cracked up to be, but it is their love, direction and lessons that stick around.

This entry was inspired by the #inleocommunity and my response to day 13 of the #februaryinleo.

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