how to teach values to children

Teaching values to older children (ages 6-12)
(Part 3 of 4)

By the time your child is 6 years old, he has a pretty good understanding of your beliefs and values. At this point, values take on a different meaning. Your child begins pulling away from the family and spending more time with other children and adults. This association with others will have a growing impact on his behavior and attitudes.

SHOP Amazon's Top 100* Best Selling Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements
+ Free Shipping & Returns on Eligible Items.
(*Amazon's Top 100 list updated hourly.)

Between ages 6 and 12, his conscience becomes stronger. Your child begins to pay more attention to the consequences of his behavior or misbehavior. He will make an effort to behave in order to avoid punishment. Children in this age range believe in obeying the rules, in fair play, law and order and having the same punishments for all kids when rules are broken. They still depend on adults for much of their moral guidance.

This is called the conventional stage of development. A child at this stage tries to do his duty, shows respect for authority, follows fixed rules and tries to maintain order.

Morality begins to have a deeper meaning as older children begin to understand that adults make mistakes, promises are broken and many questions cannot be answered with either "yes" or "no." Children may become very upset, even disturbed, when they see too many examples of immorality.

Children aged 9 to 12 have better reasoning and make decision based on their own view of society as well as their own sense of what is right and wrong. While your child may still mimic your own behavior, he also becomes more likely to challenge it. He also begins to compare your behavior to the behavior of his friends' parents.

By the time your child becomes a preadolescent, he has internalized a set of rules and moral behaviors. He is governed by his conscience.

BACK: « Value building begins at a very young age | NEXT: Teaching values to teenagers »

Source: Teaching Values to Your Child brochure, prepared by Cynthia E. Johnson, Extension Human Development Service, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service

Low Prices on Best Selling VITAMINS &
SUPPLEMENTS

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Join in our discussions:
 
Copyright 2024 RaleighHealth.com. All rights reserved. rss Subscribe to our RSS
Information provided here should not be relied on to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition, disease or illness. Please consult with your physician or health care professional for guidance on any health concern. RaleighHealth.com is a commercial website and is not affiliated with any government agency, university, or private medical center. COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE: This site may be compensated for products promoted here. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.