Received a very good piece of news yesterday. After all the hard work and preparation, Brendan has received 2nd position in class for his good academic performance, after taking an aggregation of his CA1 and SA1 examinations result.

As a parent, I am naturally elated that my son has excelled in his studies. Which parents won’t? However, I also understand that academic excellence is often not the only way to ensure a successful life and future for my kids. Also, it will definitely not be the only measure to assess a person’s success in life. To me, my responsibility as a parent is also to help my children acquire the correct VALUES in life. I couldn’t agree more with a friend, who shares this same sentiment of inculcating the importance of values and good characters in our kids, when they are young.

Why are values so significant? Values guide us in our behaviours with family members, friends, relatives, colleagues and social circle, and also attitude in studies, marriage, career and life. To me, values direct our purpose and true happiness in life.

I believe that each child is unique in his/her character and there might not one set of approach to influence their values in life. Different transformation and exposure in life, and family values might along the way affect their behaviours and conduct.

Unfortunately, we parents are never endowed with the natural gift to teach our kids the right values in life because we are also not perfect. I like this meaningful quote by Arnold Glasow:” Parents can tell but never teach, unless they practice what they preach”. We cannot teach our kids what is right or wrong unless we are good ROLE MODEL ourselves. I guess it is a lifelong learning experience for parents too as we self-reflect and observe our own values before they can model after our good examples. I have this meaningful poster on my wall to consistently remind myself and Papa Ed the values to good character in life.

Of course, values would encompass more like unselfishness, integrity, self-discipline and loyalty. I have extracted some character building thoughts for children (Source: http://www.kellybear.com, By Leah Davies, M.Ed.).  Will be sharing them with my kids. A few thoughts a day and it is definitely a valuable lesson for mummy too:

1. How I look is not as important as how I act.
2. I treat others the way I want them to treat me.
3. I am a good sport; I follow the rules, take turns and play fair.
4. It is okay to laugh at funny things, but not to laugh at others.
5. I do not gossip; if I cannot say anything helpful, I do not say anything at all.
6. When I am sad, I help myself feel better by thinking of things that are good in my life.
7. In order to have friends, I must act in a kind way.
8. I believe that I am someone who can do important things.
9. What I say and how I say it tells others the kind of person I am.
10. I appreciate my family, my teachers, and my school.
11. I treat everyone with respect.
12. When I listen, I show others that I care about them.
13. I am being a good citizen when I volunteer to help others.
14. I think for myself and make smart choices that are good for me.
15. Each day offers a new start to do my best.
16. I try to understand what my friends are feeling.
17. Everyone makes mistakes, so instead of getting angry with myself, I try to do better.
18. I do not give up; I keep trying until I can do my work.
19. Sharing with others makes me feel good and makes them feel good too.
20. I work out my problems without hurting myself or others.
21. I am being polite when I wait for my turn and say please and thank you.
22. When I smile at people, they usually smile back.
23. I encourage my friends to do their best.
24. My values guide me to do what is right.
25. I am honest; I do not cheat or steal.
26. When I am angry, I use self-control and do not hurt others.
27. I am being creative when I dance, draw, paint or write a poem or story.
28. I say, “No!” to things that could hurt my body like tobacco and alcohol.
29. When I do what I say I will do, I am being responsible.
30. I am grateful for what I have, so I share with others.
31. I try to learn something new each day.
32. When things do not go my way, I stop and think of what I can do to make them better.
33. I do not make fun of other children because I don’t know what their life is like.
34. I feel successful when I do my best.
35. Everyone has good and bad feelings.
36. I take care of myself by eating healthy food, exercising and getting enough rest.
37. I am being punctual when I am on time and do not keep people waiting.
38. When I cooperate with others, I get more done.
39. I follow the rules and try to make my school a better place.
40. I like to get to know children who are different from me.
41. Since I tell the truth, my friends trust me.
42. I look for what is good in others and I say what I like about them.
43. I buy only what I need and I save my money.
44. When I use my time wisely, there is usually enough time to do what I want to do.
45. I think before I act; how I act affects how others treat me.
46. Using manners helps me keep my friends.
47. I have courage to stand up for children who are teased.
48. Before I do something, I ask myself, “Is it safe?”
49. I am me — I do not try to be like someone else.
50. I care about living things on earth so I recycle and do not litter.
51. When I write down what I think and feel, I learn about myself.
52. I plan ahead and think about what I want to do when I grow up.