9 Essential Family Values
The education of children is something that concerns all parents. And, in this regard, the basic pillars of a good education are the family values we must encourage in our homes. For that, the first thing we have to do is to set an example and show that we have the values we want our children to acquire.
Small children don’t know how to differentiate whether their parents do things right or wrong. They only observe and learn from their reference figures. For this reason, we must be consistent and congruent between what we say and what we do. Therefore, we can’t transmit to our children those values that we haven’t incorporated ourselves. In this article, we’re going to see some of the most important family values. Don’t miss it!
Discover these essential family values
These are some of the family values you can encourage at home, although, of course, they’re not the only ones. Therefore, each parent has the freedom to transmit those they consider convenient for their children to be better human beings in the future.
1. Respect
This value is very important, although defining it can be a bit complicated. Respecting others means valuing and recognizing feelings, thoughts, preferences, and decision-making among all, that is, respect for each other.
We must be careful to differentiate between respect and fear. In order to be respected, the first thing we have to do is to apply this value to others and to ourselves in all areas.
2. Generosity
Generosity is an important value to contribute to society. Through it, we’re able to think about what people need or want and we’re able to put ourselves more in their place.
This doesn’t mean that we have to give money to those who need it or material things, but we can also be generous by giving love, attention, and time.
3. Responsibility
Responsibility is something we have to learn, and the sooner we start teaching it, the better. For example, we can encourage children to pick up their toys when they have finished using them or to feed the dog when needed.
Later on, they probably won’t need to be urged to be on time for work, meet deadlines, make payments on time, or return a phone call in a timely manner. For this reason, it’s important that we introduce all family members to their own responsibilities to integrate this value into our day-to-day lives.
4. Empathy
Empathy is another of the values that we must keep in mind. It’s important that we know how to put ourselves in other people’s shoes. If we teach our children to put themselves in the place of other family members, they’ll also know how to do it with the rest of society.
5. Honesty
Honesty is a value that allows us to have deeper relationships that last over time. To foster it in our children, we must be understanding and respectful of what they tell us, even if these are negative actions. If we get angry at these revelations, it’s very likely that next time around, they won’t tell us anything and they won’t be honest with us, because they know how we’ll react.
6. Patience
Patience is another key value for people’s lives. If we teach our children from an early age to wait and avoid the demand for immediacy, we’ll make them much better able to control their impulses. This way, they’ll be more patient in the face of the events that come their way in life.
7. Tolerance
It’s important for adults to be respectful and tolerant of all people, despite their differences. This is the only way to instill this value in children. We mustn’t forget that children follow our example and that this is fundamental for their learning.
8. Effort
Nowadays, it’s crucial to transmit the value of effort. In this way, we seek to avoid what happens in today’s society, where we want to get things immediately and without having to work for them.
9. Commitment
Commitment and giving value to our word are also very important. Commitment is related to responsibility and maturity. It’s acquired progressively. Therefore, it’s important that, when we commit to something, we fulfill it. That way, our children will be able to see in us an example of commitment.
About family values
As you’ve seen in this article, these are some of the most important values to transmit in the family. In any case, of course, everyone teaches the values they consider most appropriate for their children.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Castillo, Á. G. (2008). Familia y educación familiar: conceptos clave, situación actual y valores (Vol. 114). Narcea Ediciones.
- Mínguez Vallejos, R. (2014). Ética de la vida familiar y transmisión de valores morales. Ministerio de Educación.
- Ortega Ruiz, P., & Mínguez Vallejos, R. (2003). Familia y transmisión de valores.