Since everything’s changing all the time, it sometimes makes me think I’m clinging to lessons from the past with things I teach my kids. But I believe old life lessons still have plenty to offer.
Patience Is a Virtue
I want my kids to practice being patient, even though no one likes to wait for anything in today’s world.
However, good things usually take time. Like when we bake cookies together, we have to wait for them to be just right or when we plant seeds in the garden, it takes weeks to see them sprout. Doing so helps my kids slow down & enjoy life’s little moments.
Hard Work Always Pays Off
I tell my kids to always give it their all and instead of trying to find the easy way out, they get their hands dirty. When my daughter struggled with math homework, she stuck with it and her grades improved.
Same way, my son didn’t give up till he learned his favorite song on his guitar.
Seeing them so happy when they reach their goals reminds me why hard work matters so much.
Respect Your Elders
Respecting older people is always important & I taught this to my kids. Of course, they might roll their eyes when Grandpa starts telling his fishing tales again but I remind them he has a lifetime of experiences.
Essentially, they learn to appreciate the wisdom that comes with age.
Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness
Even though social media constantly shows them otherwise, I try my best to explain to my kids that more stuff will not make them happy.
The excitement fades. Instead, we’ve made memories camping in the backyard & having movie nights; these experiences bring us closer.
Laughter with friends or family game nights are more important than toys and video games.
Manners Matter
Even today, I firmly believe that manners are important and I remind my kids to say “please” & “thank you,” as well as greeting neighbors with a smile.
They try to help when someone needs it and show kindness to brighten up someone’s day.
Honesty Is the Best Policy
I always tell my kids to tell the truth and especially when it’s hard. If they break something or forget to do a chore, they understand that owning up is the right thing to do as opposed to hiding mistakes.
People know they can count on them which is something they’ll never get from a textbook.
Finish What You Start
If my kids start something, I expect them to finish it. Things like sports they take up, hobbies they pick up.
We always talk about this whenever they feel like quitting something. They tell me how they feel so much more accomplished by sticking to their goals. As such, they stay ready to take on new goals.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Making plans and saying things is great, but actually doing them is more important. Kids may say they want to help out more at home, but when they actually do it, it means a lot.
If they say they’ll work harder at school, actually showing it by doing it makes me very proud.
Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated
I always tell my kids to treat people the way they’d like to be treated. If they don’t like being teased, they shouldn’t tease others and being kind to others helps them as much as it helps you.
Best of all, being considerate helps to build better friendships. It also makes the world a bit nicer & that’s great for everyone.
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
Lots of people judge others by how they look or act, but I discourage my kids from doing so.
My daughter thought a new girl at school seemed unfriendly but I asked her to try talking her or including her anyway. It turns out that the girl was just shy. Now they’re great friends. Essentially, I help them understand that keeping an open mind leads to unexpected & wonderful experiences.