7 Ways To Teach Kids Morals
We all want our kids to grow up with good values. Even if we’re all likely to go astray now and again, it’s important to at least have an understanding of right and wrong. There are many ways in which you can teach your kid morals – here are just 7 methods to try.
Tell stories
Everyone remembers a childhood story they were told with an important moral message at the end. Stories are the most traditional and often the most effective way of teaching values. This could be a Biblical story or a piece of popular kids fiction. You may even be able to tell a real-life story from your own experience that helps to reinforce a life lesson that you may have learned. Whatever the case, make sure that the story is entertaining and engaging – the story is more likely to stick in their head, as is the message.
Use films/TV programs with good messages
Everyone loves a good Disney movie. These films aren’t just entertaining – they almost always have a moral to teach. In fact, many kids’ movies have morals behind them, as do many kids’ TV shows. When trying to teach a specific moral, try to hunt for a film that covers those particular values. For example, Frozen teaches kids that they shouldn’t suppress their emotions and that they should avoid sibling rivalries.
Teach morals through board games
What do angels look like? Whilst many media depictions can be otherworldly, board games such as Deliverance portray angels as human making them more relatable. Whilst there aren’t many board games that teach right and wrong, board games such as Deliverance do exist and are great for encouraging an interactive understanding of morals. Even a game like Monopoly could teach kids lesson in finance.
Discuss moral dilemmas
It’s important that kids are allowed to question things, so try encouraging debates surrounding moral dilemmas. This is particularly healthy with older kids who may be starting to realize that their parents aren’t always right. Make your kids understand that there can be moral grey areas and that acting a certain way in one situation may not be the right way to act in all situations.
Reward random acts of kindness
Kids should be encouraged to do good deeds out of their own volition and not because somebody told them to do them. Every time you kid does something good for the sake of doing something good – and not because it’s something you drummed into them – make sure to show your appreciation. It could even be worth rewarding these random acts of kindness to help them feel that these acts aren’t for nothing.
Encourage apologies for bad behavior
If your child does something you disapprove of, it’s important that you get them to apologize for it so that they know that it’s wrong. If you don’t encourage your kids to apologize they may feel that they can constantly pass the blame and may never learn to take responsibility for their own misdoings. Make sure that their apology is sincere and that they’re not just saying it because you told them to.
Lead by example
By far the most effective way of teaching your kids morals is to lead by example. If you don’t practice what you preach, your kids will eventually grow to not trust your advice and may even follow in your footsteps by doing the very same things. Make an effort of doing good deeds in front of your kids such as donating money to charity or helping a stranger.
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