by Hermes Roberts

Created on: February 03, 2009   Last Updated: February 06, 2009

From the time Eve hid herself in the Garden of Eden and covered her nakedness with a fig leaf, we sometimes instinctively know when we are doing something wrong. I say 'sometimes' because at other times we have to be taught the correct way to behave in a given situation. Nathan has to be taught to admit he broke his sister's doll and don't say that the cat did it.

The teaching of right and wrong has to be begin in the home. Children are like sponges. They soak up everything, the good and the bad habits of the people around them. The child is the product of his or her environment. All of these platitudes are true.

What do you do when your six years old comes home from school with a new pencil case that you know you didn't buy for him? You have to find out where he got it and take the necessary actions. When you go grocery shopping, do you pluck a few grapes and give them to your two young ones? Do you bring stationery from at work and give it to your children to use in school? Do you buy goods from your friends at cut rate prices and know that they are stolen? Children will notice and think that these actions are right and that this is normal behavior.

What is acceptable behavior should continue in school. Children will lie if they think that they will get away with it. Teachers and daycare providers should make an effort to deal with this problem. Let the children know that it doesn't matter what they do, if they tell the truth,they wouldn't be punished. In the way, you will gain the trust of those who habitually lie. It is important that children learn to tell the truth.

A child taking the belongings of another should not be tolerated. Explain to the child why this is wrong. Let the children know that violent behavior is not the way to solve a conflict. Teachers should incorporate solutions to these problems in the school curriculum by play-acting. the children will enjoy the lessons and they may even provide unique solutions of their own.

The ethical behavior practiced in the streets has to come from what was taught in the home or in school. Children must be taught not to litter, deface or destroy public property. It may be fun to fill the mailbox with snow or throw it to the ground, but they may be destroying valuable documents.

Having a child is the most important thing that two people can do. The loving support and ethical training that the child receive will make a big difference in producing a law abiding citizen.

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