How can you determine which values are important?
When parenting your child, you may consider some values to be more significant than others. To better understand both your own views and those of your family, take some time to think and reflect on the following:
What were your parents’ values and beliefs when they were raising you? How has this influenced what you value as a parent?
What values and beliefs are important to you, and why do they matter? What are your biggest hopes, dreams, and worries for your child?
How did significant adults make you feel important and cared for as you were growing up? How will you do the same for your child?
What values and beliefs are important to you, and why do they matter? What are your biggest hopes, dreams, and worries for your child?
What are your spouse’s values and beliefs and how are they different from yours?
If you and your spouse have differing views, try this activity to understand each other’s reasoning.
Pick 5 values that you each admire the most from the list below.
Have a conversation with your family, including your child, about why each of you hold these values and beliefs to be important.
After everyone has explained their choice, discuss and agree upon a set of shared family values and beliefs.
This activity will help you and your family come to an understanding of one another, reach a consensus on what is to be expected, and provide a guide for everyone’s behaviours and actions in the future.
Remember to listen to what your child values and consider how these values and beliefs can shape the way your family interacts with one another. Some examples of family values that strong families endorse include love, care, concern, commitment, and respect.
