As parents, we strive to instill in our children the values that will guide them towards a successful and meaningful future. A strong set of values developed during childhood helps our children navigate the confusing teen years and challenging early adulthood time as parents transition from being their shields to their back up support.
While the top 3 parenting values of every family might differ, following are 3 values that our society probably needs the most.
1. Sense of Responsibility:
Developing a sense of responsibility in children is an essential value that lays the foundation for personal growth and success. Research indicates that children who grow up with a strong sense of responsibility tend to be more disciplined, accountable, and goal-oriented in adulthood. A study conducted by Harter et al. (1996) found that responsible children not only achieve higher academic success but also experience increased well-being and positive interpersonal relationships later in life.
To nurture a sense of responsibility in your child:
– Assign age-appropriate tasks and roles that contribute to the family’s well-being, empowering your child with a sense of purpose and accountability.
– Encourage them to take ownership of their actions and decisions, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling commitments.
– Jordan Peterson suggests implementing routines and helping children understand the consequences of their choices, fostering responsibility and self-discipline as they learn to navigate the world around them.
Click here to hear Jordan Peterson talk about self responsibility
2. Active Listening, Empathy and Social grace:
“Oh! He / she is a kid, he / she will grow out of it / Oh kids don’t know any better!” is a statement one hears often when a child misbehaves. While we of course don’t judge children aggressively it is important to note that developing social grace is an essential skill. Its presence or absence lays the foundation of how a child perceives the world. Watch a video by Jordan Peterson on the topic by clicking here Cultivating active listening skills and empathy in children not only enhances their social interactions but also contributes to personal and professional success in adulthood. Research indicates that individuals who actively listen and empathize with others tend to form stronger relationships, exhibit better communication skills, and demonstrate increased emotional intelligence.
A study by Eisenberg et al. (2010) highlighted the positive correlation between empathy in childhood and success in various areas, including leadership and cooperation.
To promote active listening and empathy in your child:
– Practice active listening and empathy when dealing with your child and partner.
– Teach your child to be emotionally aware and sensitive to others’ perspectives and experiences.
– Engage in activities that develop empathy like volunteering in charitable organizations.
3. Growth Mindset:
Instilling a growth mindset in children is instrumental in their long-term success and resilience in the face of challenges. Researchers have found that individuals who embrace a growth mindset believe that their abilities can improve through effort and perseverance.
A study by Dweck (2006) concluded that children with a growth mindset are more likely to set high goals, persist in the face of obstacles, and ultimately achieve significant accomplishments.
To nurture a growth mindset in your child:
– Praise effort and perseverance rather than focusing solely on outcomes, emphasizing that mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.
– Encourage your child to embrace challenges, offering support and guidance when needed. Watch Mr Jordan Peterson talk about the importance of embracing challenges.
– Jordan Peterson advises parents to let their children experience setbacks and failures, allowing them to develop problem-solving skills and learn from adversity.
By cultivating the values of responsibility, active listening and empathy, and a growth mindset in their children, parents can empower them to navigate future challenges with confidence and resilience. Let us commit to fostering these values, providing our children with the moral compass they need to unlock their full potential.
References:
Harter, S., Waters, P. L., & Whitesell, N. R. (1996). Relational self-worth: Differences in perceived worth as a person across interpersonal contexts among adolescents. Child Development, 67(3), 830-847.
Eisenberg, N., Spinrad, T. L., & Knafo, A. (2010). Prosocial Development. In Handbook of Child Psychology and Developmental Science: Vol. 3. Socioemotional Processes (6th ed., pp. 610-656). John Wiley & Sons.
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
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