Trying to teach my kids good values is a process. Earlier this year my values were tested. I was able to set an example for the kids and let them see first hand the things that I am trying to teach them.
We were at the grocery store. When we got out to the parking lot, I noticed that there was a rather large package of paper towels in my cart. I had not put them there, nor had I paid for them. We were needing paper towels at the time. We were on our last roll. "I deserve it. Money is tight and this is a nice bonus" I thought to myself. I knew it was wrong. It only took about ten seconds; We turned around and back into the store we went. After explaining it to the cashier, and returning the paper towels we were on our way back home. It opened a conversation with the kids I was able to have a real heart to heart with my kids about honesty and integrity.
What would have happened had I kept the papertowels? This would be stealing wouldn't it? Would anybody else know? Is it honest? How does it make us feel to do the right thing? Teaching moments come. Talking about the how's and why's are important. I was glad in the end for this challenge of my integrity and a chance to show my kids how it works in real life.
what about you? How have you been able to teach your children values? leave a comment below I would love to hear from you
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Tonight I was very glad I was able to get in a teaching moment.
ReplyDeleteOften I get angry with my child and even more so when it is late. He had been at a babysitters house and had peed and not told anyone. I was not very happy when i found out. and couldn't get a hold of anyone to tell them that he had peed on the carpet.
But somehow I kept it together and didn't get mad. and I was able to have some great teaching and bonding moments.