Education in values: Respect is the “magic word”
“I want that,” says our child, and we already have THE question on our lips that our parents have asked us at times like this: “What’s the magic word?”. Values are important – but which ones are really fundamental and how do I bring them closer to my child?
We all want to instill values in our children, so we start teaching them to always say “please” and “thank you” from an early age. But do these words really have value by forcing our children to recite them over and over again? Gratitude should be felt and not through the question “What’s the magic word?” mutate into an empty phrase. We should not force the words, but leave them as part of everyday life and set an example for them.
Value education: Exemplifying values is fundamental
Values education is fundamental because values are important to children – without question. They give them support and orientation. They are indispensable in the coexistence of a society. Values such as honesty, respect or solidarity offer us support. Children try them again and again, sometimes exceed them and thus make their own experiences.
Children learn a lot through imitation. That’s why it’s important to set an example for them. Each of us has values that seem particularly important to us and which we therefore convey to our children more than others. Values can be conveyed in everyday situations. Because children watch us parents very closely. How do we behave towards our fellow human beings? Do we offer our seat to older people on the bus? Do we behave politely and say “please” and “thank you” of our own accord?
What does politeness really mean? Respect!
The words “please” and “thank you” are just small aspects that really make politeness. Rather, respect is the fundamental value. A respectful behavior towards the other that shows that we value them is “real” courtesy. However, children do not learn this by saying two small terms. It’s a mannerism that is important, but not an intrinsic value.
Therefore, we should be a good role model for our children and show them how to treat other people with respect. This includes respect for the other person. To get a feeling that you are not alone in the world and that you should also respect other opinions, characters and attitudes.
Respect can be conveyed through small things. By listening to my children and getting involved with others in a way that is understandable for them and talking about topics that convey empathy and care – and not always focusing on material desires, for example. In this way, I can show my child respect and be a good role model for them.