Values should guide us to grow as a person. They should not be taught to be more socially acceptable. Bigger question is can we really teach values? If at all we can teach values then what would they be?
We often ponder what are the CORE VALUES one should develop in one’s child. Here is our FIVE MUST-HAVE list:
1. The value of Experimentation (or Trying)
I will let my child keep trying different things in life. Children are born experimenter. The more the child tries, the more he/ she explores. The more the child explores, more the child learns. The more the child learns, the more the child gathers raw material and tools for life! I will let him fail and treat every failure with as much regard as success and just keep trying.
2. The value of Consciousness (or feelings)
I would teach my child to be conscious of his or her feelings. Let child’s awareness of his / her feelings be a guide to what he / she should do or should not do. If they are aware of their feelings, the behavior becomes more regulated and days become more rewarding and joyous.
3. The value of Reflection (or thought)
When we think through a situation, when we reflect back on what we did and when we introspect as to what happened we learn how to learn. W learn to make better decisions, learn to progress and grow and we develop WISDOM.
4.The value of Openness (or being non-judgmental)
We stop our thinking, we limit ourselves, when we form opinions, when we make assumptions, when we jump to conclusions, when we make preconceived notions and mental blocks about things and people, including ourselves. We open multiple pathways of growth and happiness when we move away from good or bad, from right or wrong, from judgments, rather work from the objective of being effective and constantly improving through being flexible.
5. The value of Strength (or passion)
We can’t possibly cut effectively from the blunt side of our knife.. There is also little point in trying to sharpen the blunt edge. Rather sharpen the sharp edge and to make it more incisive. Then with minimum effort it can create maximum effect. I will also teach the child the value of constantly sharpening the knife
More than teaching about honesty, responsibility, loyalty, humility, justice, respect etc. I would rather teach children the above five and let them experience, understand and choose whichever values they want to use to lead their own life with honor and happiness.