Raising my children is my #1 priority. At the end of the day I want to be able to look back and see that I modeled and taught some core essential values to my kids.
Love
I want my children to behave in a kind and loving manner to those around them. It’s no big deal to be loving to your family because, well, you’re supposed to. It’s the norm. But what really matters is how you treat others, particularly in challenging situations. Your character really shines through when you’re faced with a difficult person or you’re in a tough spot. My hope is that my children learn the importance of sending a message of love through their words and actions.
Joy
People who have joy spread joy because joy is contagious. Being joyful is more an attitude of rejecting negativity than just acting giddy all the time. Having a joyful and positive outlook makes you a valuable asset to employers, teammates, friends and even family members. I can’t think of a single situation where being joyful would be seen as a character flaw.
Faith
Because I am a Christian, I want my children to grow up knowing who God is. For me, following in His footsteps means doing more than just going to Sunday School. I make my faith known to my children and encourage them to grow in their faith. But I also realize that their decision to follow God is entirely their own. I can show them the way, but they will make their own choices as they become more independent.
Responsibility
This is such a vague term that I hear teachers use often, so I try and clarify to my children that being responsible means.
Making good choices, even when no one is looking
Making and achieving goals
Taking care of yourself and your things
The conflicts I have with my children are so many times a result of their pushing back against one of these essential values. Love, joy, faith, and responsibility are my “big rock” values that I want to instill in them. In essence, these are the values that are at the foundation of who I am as well. When my children are independent adults, will I be able to reflect on how I raised them without any regrets? I hope so.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my rambling. As my oldest is merging into teenagerhood faster than I feel prepared for, listing out my essential values helps me to stay focused as a parent and to feel confident that every yes and no I give are rooted in what I think is important.
Families have their own style of parenting because each of us has a unique conviction for what is important.
What about you? What are some of your big rocks in parenting?
