Five Things

August 22, 2009 squincheye

I have been thinking lately about the most important things parents should teach their children.  You are probably thinking that I should of thought of this earlier since I now have a six year old.  However, I am proud to say that these are things that I have been doing and wanted to share with other people.  So here are my top five:

1. Teach your children about God.  It is so important for them to learn the truth.  There are so many “truths” out there in the world, as parents we have been entrusted these children. It is our responsibility to let them know there is only one truth.  I cannot explain the joy I feel when, Riley, my three year old, sings the Bible verse she learned through a song at Power Surge.  Or when Joshua and I talk about who made the Earth and the universe.

2. Teach your children how to love.  It is so important for children to learn to love others and equally important to love themselves.  Think about how many regrets people have because they did not love themselves enough to make better choices.   If kids know they are loved they will be more likely to love themselves.  If we set the example and love others, our children will naturally follow.  Since the kids were born Michael and I would tell them throughout the day- “I Love You.”  Once Joshua and Riley started talking they would say those sweet words to us.  Now that is enough to make anyone cry.

3.  Teach your children how to communicate.  Communication is key in every relationship!  Michael and I talk to the kids about everything.  I want them to know that they can come to us about anything and we will still love them the same.  This is especially important the older they get because that is when the real “anythings” are going to occur.

4.  Teach your children boundaries.  Children are starving for boundaries.  New moms are told to get their baby on a schedule.  Babies need this- a feeding schedule, bath time routine, sleep schedule.  That does not go away once they are no longer babies.  Children want to know what is and is not allowed.  I equate this to bowling with gutter  bumpers.  As the ball is going down the isle it is kept on the right course because the bumpers keeping it out of the gutter.  Parents need to be gutter bumpers for their children.    

5.  Teach your children to respect other people and their property.  Nothing is more frustrating or embarrasing than when children are disrespectful.  Joshua and Riley know they should treat others the way they want to be treated.  I strongly dislike the word “no.”  Joshua thinks he is Mr. Funny Man because sometimes when I ask him to do something he says “no” which is quickly followed up with “Oh mommy, I’m just kidding you.”  I am thinking about adding that word to our “List of words we don’t say”.

What are some things you feel parents should be teaching their children?

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