Teach them about kindness: Kindness is that gift that keeps giving. An act of kindness can create a ripple effect that is felt for a long time. While teaching them about kindness, it is important to also let them know about the other side of it. Let them not be naive enough to think the world is a happy go lucky place where they will be treated well simply because they’re kind people. Let them know that kindness does not mean gullibility or associating with those that are mean to them.
Teach them about self-love: I cannot overemphasize this. For if they do not love themselves enough to know what is good for them, how then do you abdicate that responsibility to another? Let them know that the love of another can only complement their life when they love themselves right. Not to be self-absorbed in their self love, but to love themselves enough not to allow shabby treatment all in the name of love.
Teach them about respect: Not the faux respect or humility that we often like here, but to respect themselves and other people irrespective of their social status. When they respect themselves, it is highly unlikely that they will ever be disrespected. Let them know part of respecting themselves is staying away from people that make them feel they’re doing them a favor by associating with them. Let them know that they’re enough for themselves.
Teach them about integrity: Let your children know how important it is to be a person of your word. Let them know that being fickle minded is not an admirable trait and it fosters distrust. Stand by your word, even if it makes you unpopular.
Teach them gratitude: Let them know how important it is to be grateful when they’re done a favor, no matter how little it may seem. A grateful heart (to God and man) is the one that receives more. Lack of gratitude is the cultivating ground for the entitlement mentality and entitlement stinks to high heavens.
Teach them contentment: Contentment not with mediocrity but with what they possess while working hard and smart to be more. They will meet people that have more than them but let them know that comparison steals joy and brings despair in its wake. We are only human and sometimes, the thought comes to you especially when the going gets tough. But it is in contentment that peace is found. A heart that is content without maliciously coveting another’s properties will always have peace. People that have way more than you will look at you and marvel.
Most of us are all trying to do right by our children. Lay a good foundation so that even when they get out there and the environment they find themselves in at times wants to lead them astray, they will always find their way back.
Tó omo re, kó lè fún o nísinmi lójóòla (Raise your child well so that they can give you peace of mind tomorrow).
The best way to show them the right way, is by being the best parent you can be. Are you leading by example? Or it is just all talk for you?