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CHILDREN WANT TO LEARN WHAT’S “RIGHT”
The job of parents is to teach children what the “real world” is like, and what it takes to live in a world with other human beings. Parents teach within their families the moral principles on which our multi-cultural society is based. In general, these are principles that protect the common good—and help us live together.
But in today’s society, our children are exposed to so much information and so many experiences that we are justified in our concern for their development. Along with unprecedented threats and opportunities comes less time for experimentation to pass on important values. How can parents do it . . . and do it well?
The key is in teaching our children how to make choices that are right for them as individuals, with high regard for how the consequences affect others. Their skill is acquired mostly from our own approach to life—our examples, our justice, our respect for them and for others. Their success is also dependent on the sense of self-worth we give them, to serve as protection in a tough world.
We at Heartland Family Service believe that most parents do a pretty good job at raising their kids. However, we also know that most parents want as much information as possible to help make those tough decisions. Look over the information we provide here. Take a self-test to assess your family strengths. Read the Tips for Today's Families for specific questions and answers. Visit the Family-Friendly links for additional information.
And if you are wondering about a family issue, visit our Ask A Counselor page to get a professional therapist's response to your questions.
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