How to Teach Your Child Right From Wrong
0 - 1 YEAR
At this stage in life, the concepts of right and wrong are not possible to teach. Rather, an infant who is shown warmth,
cuddling and loving attention is likely to grow into a healthy
and happy adult.
1 - 2 YEARS
Rather than scolding a child or arguing with him about
misbehaver, try to take preventative measures beforehand. If
you don't want him pulling things out the cupboards, make sure
they are secured. At this age of short attention span,
discipline beyond a simple "no" is unnecessary and can have
undesirable effects.
2 - 4 YEARS
Children of this age, unable to understand abstractions such as
generosity and truth, imitate their parents. So set an example.
Be firm in disallowing undesirable behavior, but do so in a
kind and friendly manner, without attempting to explain why.
4 - 6 YEARS
This is the time where you can really take some positive steps
to reinforce your child's positive behavior. Give him lots of
praise when it's due. Children of this age respond well to
simple reasoning and explanations. Concepts such as
truthfulness and generosity can be introduced. Continue to set
an example of acceptable behavior. The child at this stage
wants to please you and wants to be liked by others.
5 - 8 YEARS
Children develop a greater social awareness at this age. They
understand the basic rights of others when taught fairness,
values and the need to follow certain rules of behavior. Rules
and limitations not only seem just to the child, but give him a
good feeling of security.
8 - 11 YEARS
Due to natural growth and influences outside the home, your
child has likely become more independent. He may begin to
question
your decisions, contradict or argue. You must remain
firm in the important matters and flexible in less important
ones. Demonstrate and discuss the child's duties and
responsibilities to friends, relatives and society. Set
examples of moral behavior. Sex education can also be important
at this stage.
12 - 17 YEARS
These are normally rebellious years for most teenagers. In
fact, teenagers who never rebel are probably in emotional
trouble. As a parent you must weather the storm when your
teenager begins to question and test conventional values, rules
and beliefs. If you've instilled a sense of values at an early
age, chances are he still retains many of those ideas. Try to
keep lines of communication open and don't push the panic
button. If communication does break down and tensions mount
considerably, seek professional help.
18 YEARS AND OVER
At this stage most young adults are forming, or have formed,
their own set of values. However, life still holds for them
many unanswered questions, and a warm yet honest relationship
can still go a long way in helping them reach mature adulthood.
MORE FREE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT http://www.911parenting.com
About the Author
I am a Resource Specialist, and a Credentialed Special Education Teacher in the State of California for over 20 years. I have worked with hundreds of children in both regular education and special education classrooms. Creating a successful teaching environment depends upon many factors, and working with the parents has always been the most important factor. Visit http://www.911parenting.com
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