7 Ways You Can Help Your Child Contribute to Society

12/06/2015

Written by: aradhanap111

Perhaps the best legacy a parent can leave is how their children contribute to society.  Teaching children values that will benefit society, help them empathize with others and hold accountability for their actions are important not just for your child but for a larger group.

1. Make Children Responsible For Their Behavior

Have you noticed children behaving badly in public? Screaming very loud or disturbing other people? All while the parents smile and repeat, “They’re just children. What can you do?” Making a child accountable for their behavior from an early age is very important. Parents should recognize patterns of unacceptable behavior and make children aware of why their actions are wrong. Finding a way to communicate this to a child without being too harsh is critical. If a child does something, they’re not supposed to and after repeatedly being warned against it, parents should make sure that the child understands why it’s wrong and how their behavior affects those around them. This will instill a sense of responsibility for their actions from a young age.

2. Make Them Aware Of Society At Large

Most children are brought up in a sheltered environment where their parents control all their choices for them. While this is appropriate for their safety, it is also essential for parents to make their children aware of the world around them. Most children are unaware of the problems people around them face. Introducing this to them in a manner in which they can relate will help them understand people and situations better. They will also empathize with others and learn how to solve problems. Volunteering at animal shelters, distributing food or clothes to the homeless or helping clean up their neighborhood playground are all great ways to make your child more aware.

3. Teaching Them To Be Content

In an age of instant gratification, adults are never content and are always looking for a ‘better deal’. How then should we expect children to grasp the concept of being happy with what they already have? Human nature is such that we are always striving for something new; this applies to children too. When they are not given what they want, they throw tantrums. More often than not parents give in to these dramatic displays of frustration. While it might be hard initially, you should teach your child to be grateful for their position. They should know that there are many people that are not as fortunate as them. They’re in a privileged position even if they have just the basics like food, shelter, clothes and toys.

4. Teaching Them To Share

As the saying goes ‘Sharing is Caring’ and this applies for your children as well. There are many social situations where the importance of sharing will be highlighted. It is important for them to grow up to be responsible, contributing members of society. From an early age children should be taught to share their toys, food or anything else they hold valuable. You could reward them every time they share, which will encourage them to keep doing it.

5. Teaching Them Morally Responsible Behavior

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. At an early age, you are the most prominent example your child has. Their moral choices are defined by what they think is acceptable to you. You should make it abundantly clear that lying or stealing (even if it’s a cookie from the table) is not the answer. Show them how they can get what they want without having to resort to something dishonest. Make sure that they know even if they make a mistake they can approach you and won’t be chastised for it. This will hold them in good stead as they grow up and are faced with even tougher choices.

6. Involving Them In Decision Making

The objective of involving children in the decision-making process is simple; it allows them to influence matters that affect them directly. Making the right decision involves being aware of all the choices and outcomes and making an informed decision based on them. You could start with small questions like where they would like to have dinner or where to travel for the families’ next vacation. It’s important to make them feel involved, listen to their point of view and act upon their decisions.

7. Appropriate Rewards And Punishments

“Let the punishment fit the crime” this old saying is especially apt when dealing with children. Being overly harsh on a child for misbehaving will teach them what is wrong but not why it’s wrong. For example: If your child walks in with their muddy shoes on and dirties the carpet, they should help you when you clean the carpet, so they know the consequence of their action. Similarly, rewarding children should be done with the sole purpose of encouraging the same positive behavior again. The reward should be proportional to the behavior.

Children are the leaders and decision makers of the future. The sooner they are made aware of societies functions, their role in it and how they can work to achieve what’s expected of them, the better it is for everyone.

Aradhana is a writer from India. She covers topics concerning parenting, child nutrition, wellness, health and lifestyle. She has more than 150+ publications from reputable sites like Huffington Post, Natural news, Elephant Journal, Lifehacker and MomJunction.com to her credit. Aradhana writes to inspire and motivate people to adopt healthy habits and live a stress-free lifestyle.