One of the most popular questions we get here at Focus on the Family is, “How do I pass my values on to my children?”
First and foremost is you, mom and dad. Your presence is the most important influence in your kids’ lives. They’re watching you. Everything you say and do makes a profound impression on what your children say and do. Model the values you hope your children will adopt as their own. If you want them to be loving, then be loving. If you want them to value honesty and integrity, then be an honest person with integrity.
The second most important factor in transmitting your values is adversity. Obstacles and struggle, not luxury and ease, are what develop deep character. It’s when children face challenges that they discover a deeper sense of what’s true about the world and their ability to handle it. No one will rescue your child when they’re an adult, so teach them to handle adversity while they’re safe at home with you. Teach them how to keep moving forward through their challenges.
For more great insight on raising children with godly maturity and character, tune into Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. I’m talking with marriage and family counselor Dr. Randy Schroeder about a number of helpful parenting topics, such as:
- Building a good foundation for a strong relationship with your child.
- Physical and verbal habits that instill your child with love and trust.
- The importance of spending time with your child.
- Teach your child to live with gratitude.
- Good habits for applying the rules.
- Creating a positive environment for your child.
- Helping your child develop a healthy social life.
- Helping your child prioritize his or her relationship with God.
Values are caught more than they’re taught. Passing on beliefs that will sustain your children for a lifetime is one of your most important responsibilities as a parent. Listen to my full conversation with Dr. Randy Schroeder on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.
While you’re online, why not take our free parenting assessment. It will quickly give you an overview of how your family is doing in several key areas and will offer suggestions for improving the relationships in your home.
Before I close, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, you’ll receive member-exclusive benefits, and I’ll send you a copy of Dr. Randy Schroeder’s book Simple Habits for Effective Parenting: Specific Skills and Tools That Achieve Extraordinary Results in Raising a Child. It’s our way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).