A wholesome family environment not just allows a child to flourish in a healthy surrounding but also instils in the child valuable habits and indispensable virtues.
Here are 9 “rules” that every individual should consider sculpting into their family code.
Polite people are welcome everywhere
“Greet everybody you meet. When someone helps you, show your appreciation, whether with words, in writing, or even with a simple gesture; and if you happen to offend someone, say sorry at once.”
Don’t miss any opportunity to ingrain these courtesies in your child from a very young age. Politeness is not just about impressing people; rather, it should stem from a sincere concern.
Whether it is showing gratitude or saying sorry, expressing your heartfelt emotions always surpasses a thousand justifications or explanations.
Mind your noise
When outside, make sure your voice levels are considerate, and try not to behave boisterously. Thoughtlessness is something you would want to discourage. An awareness of the feelings of others needs to be inculcated right from childhood.
The world does not revolve around you. Developing a sense of empathy and learning to be sensitive to the concerns of those around you can help expand your child’s circle of close friends and make them generally well-liked. This does not, in any way, mean that your child should disregard their own feelings or aspirations. It is a matter of finding a balance between personal comfort and consideration for others. Striking this balance might not be easy, but your child would do well to keep learning and adjusting as they grow.
Developing a sense of empathy and learning to be sensitive to the concerns of those around you can help expand your child’s circle of close friends and make them generally well-liked.
You can keep your secrets to yourself
If there are any issues that you find it difficult to share with your father, you can turn to your mother; if you find it awkward to discuss it with your mother, you can speak to your father. If you don’t want to tell either one of them, then keeping it within yourself is also an option.
Your privacy is yours, but I want you to know that, whenever you need us, we will always be there for you and keep your secrets safe, no questions asked. And no matter where you are, remember that home is a place you can always return to and feel secure.
Live with honesty and avoid uttering lies
Maxim Gorky, the celebrated 20th-century Russian literary figure, rightly asserted, “The highest ideal of human life is sincerity.”
A lie often leads to more lies that are fabricated to cover it up. It is a slippery slope that can get larger and harder to handle as one goes along. The wisest course is to avoid telling a lie in the first place.
Parents should teach their children to avoid telling lies.
Violence solves nothing
While avoiding conflict is ideal, it is an approach not always feasible. In case a situation does escalate, sharp objects or implements are a definite no-no, and never aim for a person’s face. Learning how to defend yourself without causing harm is extremely important.
Your parents are against any form of violence, and we will never approve of you being bullied or harassed by anyone. However, remember that your power should only be used as a means of self-preservation; you should never be the aggressor.
Save even the smallest of things
Cherish what you have, and covet not what others own. Whatever you earn through your hard work is precious, so never take your possessions for granted.
Cherish what you have and covet not what others own
Be thankful
If someone offers you something with good intentions, even if it isn’t something you like, be gracious and express your appreciation. You can say you already have one, but never criticize the offering.
Parents should guide their children to respect the generosity of others, even when the latter’s choices do not match our own, and never hurt their feelings or cause them embarrassment. Only those who are appreciative are worthy of getting respect and proper treatment from others.
Wastage is shameful
All food items are precious. You should not be throwing away the things you like on a whim.
Every grain that we eat is a product of the farmers’ toil and labour. Nothing comes to us for free; that is why we must eat mindfully and avoid wasting others’ hard work.
Comparing yourself is futile
Avoid comparing yourself to others because it is an exercise in futility. Each individual has a unique name and a unique set of physical attributes; we are all distinct beings, and this is what makes life diverse and interesting, colouring the world with an infinite number of shades.
The idea is to educate your young ones and make parents realize that comparing children achieves nothing except making the child feel inferior or superior. No two leaves on a tree are exactly the same, and humans are far more complex than leaves. The vital thing is for your child to realize and enhance their own unique strengths.
