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How To Teach Your Child Right
From Wrong
0 - 1 Year
At this stage in life, the concepts
of right and wrong are not possible to teach. Rather, an infant
who is shown warmth, cuddling and loving attention is likely
to grow into a healthy and happy adult.
1 - 2 Years
Rather than scolding a child
or arguing with him about misbehavour, try to take preventative
measures beforehand. If you don't want him pulling things out
the cupboards, make sure they are secured. At this age of short
attention span, discipline beyond a simple "no" is
unnecessary and can have undesirable effects.
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2 - 4 Years
Children of this age, unable
to understand abstractions such as generosity and truth, imitate
their parents. So set an example. Be firm in disallowing undesirable
behaviour, but do so in a kind and friendly manner, without attempting
to explain why.
4 - 6 Years
This is the time where you can
really take some positive steps to reinforce your child's positive
behavior. |
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Give him lots of praise when
it's due. Children of this age respond well to simple reasoning
and explanations. Concepts such as truthfulness and generosity
can be introduced. Continue to set an example of acceptable behavior.
The child at this stage wants to please you and wants to be liked
by others.
5 - 8 Years
Children develop a greater social
awareness at this age. They understand the basic rights of others
when taught fairness, values and the need to follow certain rules
of behavior.
Rules and limitations not only
seem just to the child, but give him a good feeling of security.
8 - 11 Years
Due to natural growth and influences
outside the home, your child has likely become more independent.
He may begin to question your decisions, contradict or argue.
You must remain firm in the important matters and flexible in
less important ones. Demonstrate and discuss the child's duties
and responsibilities to friends, relatives and society. Set examples
of moral behavior. Sex education can also be important at this
stage.
12 - 17 Years
These are normally rebellious
years for most teenagers. In fact, teenagers who never rebel
are probably in emotional trouble. As a parent you must weather
the storm when your teenager begins to question and test conventional
values, rules and beliefs. If you've instilled a sense of values
at an early age, chances are he still retains many of those ideas.
Try to keep lines of communication open and don't push the panic
button. If communication does break down and tensions mount considerably,
seek professional help.
18 Years and over
At this stage most young adults
are forming, or have formed, their own set of values. However,
life still holds for them many unanswered questions, and a warm
yet honest relationship can still go a long way in helping them
reach mature adulthood. |
