One’s formative years play a crucial role in a person’s life because everything they will learn and experience during this period will directly affect the kind of person they will come in the future.
Mum Kareen Liez Datoy of Morning Ledger offers these five things that all parents must teach their toddler before they turn five.
Honesty
The best way to teach a child honesty is by being good examples as parents. Whether in words or actions, parents need to avoid telling lies and asking questions the answers to which they already know.
It’s also important never to call your child a “liar.” Instead tell him they aren’t being honest with, and that they should tell you the truth.
Responsibility
Teaching your children responsibility at an early age instils in them its value that they will be able to appreciate even when they’re adults. Not only that. Instead of being intimidated by responsibility, they will treat it as a challenge from which they can improve themselves.
If your kids accidentally hurt or offend some, have them apologize to the injured party so they could understand the concept of responsibility.
Courtesy and respect
There’s nothing more unattractive in an adult that being disrespectful and rude, and it usually starts in one’s childhood. You can teach your children courtesy and respect by saying things such as “thank you,” “please,” “excuse me” whenever the opportunity arises. These may seem simple, but they have a massive impact on one’s character.
Gratitude
A thankful child will appreciate many things in the world that other children often take for granted, a trait that will help them see the beauty in the world as a grown-up. Teaching them how to do chores will also make them realise what hard work really is, making them appreciate your efforts even more.
Love
“Apart from saying ‘I love you,’ parents can also show the kids how to express love like hugging family members or kissing your spouse. It is also good if you talk to the kids about how much you love them,” says Kareen.
“Simple gestures of love like a note on the lunch box will also be appreciated by the child. And say ‘I love you’ more often. Your kids will no doubt say that to you more often too coupled with a hug and a kiss.”