Values that are taught in schools, by way of education, is distinct from those that are taught at home. It is, without doubt, the responsibility of parents to rear their children in an environment that is conducive to their development, mentally and morally. The first requirement is teaching children to be well-behaved. But children may not be able to acquire good behavior unless their parents demonstrate desirable traits that children tend to observe and emulate at an early age when they are mentally flexible enough to adjust to values that they learn and routinely practice. It is a well known fact that education begins at home, in an environment where their parents are loving, while espousing morals that are necessary, not only in their own interest, but more so, in the interest of their children.

Generally, children are sensitive to domestic problems, such as witnessing their parents quarreling frequently, as well as indulging in verbal or physical abuses, heedless of the presence of their presence. They seem to be blind to the fact that their children may behave likewise when they attain adulthood. There is a likelihood that they, too, can become abusive and, perhaps, morally degenerate.

Children must be disciplined, though not in the sense of denying them the freedom to think for themselves. In order to help them begin learning the things during their formative years, there are certain rules that should help toward the upbringing of children at home, as well as in school:

l) Parents or guardians should gently and carefully enforce principles with regard to
right and wrong and teach their children moral values, beginning at an early age.

2) Parents or guardians should discipline their children in the way of good conduct
and behavior.

3) Encourage children, as they grow older, to help with certain light, domestic
chores.

4) Boisterous arguments and constant quarrels should not take place in the presence
of children.

5) Encourage children to do their school homework on a regular basis.

6) Provide children with necessities that help develop their general outlook,
that help sharpen their sense of reality.

7) Teach their children to be respectful and encourage them to associate with peers
with whom they can share moral values.

8) Last, but not least, instruct children to be kind, honest and truthful.

It should be understood that a home environment is where children cultivate moral attributes.
Abusive parents set a bad example and serve as an obstacle in the development of the moral values of their children. On the other hand, children are likely to emulate good moral values and are able to adapt to circumstances in and outside their home.

Learn more about this author, Maurice Sassoon.
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