How can I ensure that my child has good morals?

Home is the best school for teaching moral behaviours. Here are some parenting tips that could be of help. Commit to raising a moral child. How important is it for you to raise a moral child? It’s a crucial question to ask, because research finds that parents who feel strongly about their kids turning out morally usually succeed because they committed themselves to that effort. If you really want to raise a moral child, then make a personal commitment to raise one, and don’t stop until he does. Be a strong moral example. Parents are their children’s first and most powerful moral teachers, so make sure the moral behaviours your kids are picking up from you are ones that you want them to copy. Try to make your life a living example of good moral behaviour for your child to see. Know your beliefs and share them. Before you can raise a moral child, you must be clear about what believe in. Take time to think through your values then share them regularly to your child explaining why you feel the way you do. After all, your child will be hearing endless messages that counter your beliefs, so it’s essential she hears about your moral standards. TV shows, movies, newspapers, and literature are filled with moral issues, so use them as opportunities to discuss your beliefs with your child. Use teachable moments. The best teaching moments aren’t ones that are planned — they happen unexpectedly. Look for moral issues to talk about as they come up. Take advantage of those moments because they help your child develop solid moral beliefs that will help guide his behaviour the rest of his life. Use discipline as a moral lesson. Effective discipline ensures that the child not only recognises why her behaviour was wrong but also knows what to do to make it right next time. Using the right kind of questions helps children expand their ability to take another person’s perspective and understand the consequences of their behaviour. So help your child reflect: “Was that the right thing to do? What should I do next time?” That way your child learns from his mistakes and grows morally. Expect moral behaviour. Studies are very clear: kids who act morally have parents who expect them to do so. It sets a standard for your child’s conduct and also lets her know in no uncertain terms what you value. Post your moral standards at home then consistently reinforce them until your child internalises them so they become his rules. If you have any question, please send it to education@newtimes.co.rw