We live in the same world as our fore parents. We teach values by living values. Example has always been and still is the best teacher. As parents, we have to know what our values are, and not guess at them when a situation arises for us to expound upon them. Our values are intertwined in our belief system. A faulty belief system will produce faulty values. Once you have a clear understanding of what you believe, and why you believe such, then you make a check list to determine if your actions on any matter are consistent with what you believe.

We say all the time what we believe in, yet our actions would indicate something entirely different. This is classical hypocrisy. We are quick to say we believe in God but we are even quicker to break His commands and then use the excuse that "we are not perfect", when we fall victim to our own selfish desires.

We as parents are the best role models for our children. If you are a single parent for what ever reasons (divorce, death of a spouse, unmarried mother or father), then don't fall into a trap with another man or woman whom you are not married to. Doing so, will teach the child not to value marriage and family.

Teach children to value their bodies, especially girls, by not wearing provocative tight revealing clothing that would cause men to admire their form. Teach them modesty. Teach them to eat healthy and not destroy their bodies with unhealthy food. Teach them to value water and air, because these are from the Creator and are gifts from the Creator to sustain our earthly existence. Haven't you heard people say they don't like water. It is obvious that people who smoke prefer cigarette smoke over the Creator's air. I don't care what they say and what excuse they give for smoking or not liking water, they are denying favors that the Creator has bestowed upon them, and choosing their desires over what is right.

Guide your child's choices of friendships, get to know the parents of the people who befriend your children. Teach them that friends are few and far between. Teach them that a real friend is one who will enjoin what is good and forbid what is wrong. A real friend would not join or encourage bad and wrong conduct. Teach them to judge with justice. Teach them to remain chaste(male and female) until marriage. Finally, keep them involved in meaningful recreation where they have an opportunity to grow, ie martial arts, swimming, fencing.

We are here and now. Deal with what is at hand. The more decadent society becomes, the stronger and more dedicated parents have to become to enforce, and instill what is right because we know it is right, we believe it is right and more importantly we are doing it ourselves. We have to be careful that we do not enjoin righteousness on our children and forget to practice it ourselves.

Learn more about this author, Katrina Mumin.
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