Values begin in the home

As parents we often assume that our children will inherit our family values. Unfortunately values are not learned unless they are reinforced. Many parents simply tell their children that something is wrong without an appropriate talk or explanation. Remember we have to compete with Peer pressure. Many times children want to adopt the habits and values of their friends more willingly in order to get accepted,yet will fight us tooth and nail when we try to correct them. It takes patience and understanding to figure out childhood stages and the appropriate time to talk to your children. If it is reinforced on a daily basis your child will undoubtedly follow in your footsteps. Another good strategy is to involve their friends when discussing issues such as the taboos of drinking or using drugs . When there is an open discussion with their friends often time more credibility is created. Many times your child will learn through these discussions that their friends parents also feel the same way about things. It is difficult ,but we must take control and get in the habit of speaking to children daily.It should not happen when things are at their worst because there is a lot of resentment and guiltiness and it is hard to remain objective. At this point children become belligerent and defiant and the discussion turns into an argument. Parents need to know when to give their child some space to reflect and come back at a later time to discuss the behaviors. Most importantly is that parents must live what they teach their children.