Instilling Values in Our Kids: Introduction

I have decided to start a new series on this blog, called “Instilling Values in Our Kids.”

The aim of this series will be describe to our readers how we, Josh and I, are trying to instill within our kids values, and good character traits.

I decided to use the word “instill” instead of “teach” because we feel that character is not something we can put upon our children or simply teach them.  In order for our children to start exhibiting a desirable trait, they will need to want to do it themselves, they will need to start having it be a part of them.  Thus, the word “instill,” which means: Gradually but firmly establish (an idea or attitude, esp. a desirable one) in a person’s mind: “instill values”.  We also recognize that you can’t simply teach a character trait, a value, an attitude, in a day, or a week, or a month: it’s a lifetime pursuit, a gradual process.  It is this process we wish to share.

In this series, we will discuss qualities and values such as responsibility, independence, cooperation/teamwork, respect, service/charity, forgiveness, humility, prayerfulness, obedience, and hard work.  Each post will discuss a specific value and how we are trying (or have tried) to instill it into our children.

I hope that you will enjoy this series.  I am looking forward to writing these posts over the coming weeks and months and (hopefully) years!  I think it would also be great to have guest writers contribute to the series over time, to add how they are instill certain values in their children, as no two sets of parents are the same, or their children for that matter.

But, I hope that as we honestly share what we are doing, or trying to do, that you won’t judge us.  We are imperfect.  We don’t even know if what we are teaching them or how we are teaching them will pay off in the end.  We don’t know if they are “scientifically” proven to work.  We are simply doing our best at instilling values that we view to be important.

We do hope that the series may inspire you to look at how you are instilling good character values into your own children or grandchildren (or children under your care), and that we may provide a helpful idea or two to help you on your journey.  Because, after all, isn’t it the desire of all parents to raise children who have moral values?  Who have a strong sense of character?  Who know right from wrong?

I hope you look forward to our first post!

My Posts about Instilling Values in Our Kids:

• Instilling Values in Our Kids: Introduction
• Instilling Gratitude and Thankfulness
• Instilling Faith in Jesus Christ
• Instilling Kindness – #TackyBoxKindness
• Instilling the Value of Service
• Instilling the Value of Humor
• Teaching Children the Importance of Work
• Have Your Child Plan Their Own Birthday Party
• The Importance of Agency and Making Good Choices
• Honesty and Stealing – Butterfingers and Sticky Fingers
• Developing Girl’s Positive Self-Esteem
• Cleaning up {Life’s} Messes

Be sure to Follow My Instilling Values in Our Children Pinterest Board for even more great posts!