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Children are not born with the concept of integrity, it is learned and reinforced by people in their home, school and community. Adults who act with honesty and fairness will influence children to be courageous, responsible, respectful and have humble.
Integrity is the ability to act in ways that are consistent with the values, beliefs, and moral principles we claim to hold. It's about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
People with integrity tell the truth and act in a sincere way. They treat people equally and take responsibility for their own feelings and actions. Integrity is more than just being honest; it's acting ethically, consistently, and in a trustworthy manner.
Integrity must be deeply rooted in the home environment as children grow. Here are some tips on how to help our children develop good judgment and integrity:
- Teach by Being a Good Example
The best way to teach moral uprightness to children is to do what you preach. Parents cannot be credible teachers if their own characters do not show truthfulness, kindness, faithfulness, modesty, gentleness, fairness and all other values they wish to impart.
- Environment
Aside from parents being good examples for their children to emulate, surrounding them with an environment of moral uprightness free of inappropriate TV shows, movies, indecent reading materials, etc. will prevent their good values from being replaced with wrong ideas. Parents must monitor their children’s entertainment, activities, friends and behavior and explain to them any objections they have to any of these.
- Teach Right from Wrong
Outright teaching using adequate reasoning and proper communication helps children learn what is right from wrong. With a good background on what behaviors are acceptable, children will be able to develop reliable decision making skills which they will use later in life.
- Discipline with Reason
Disciplining wisely means being clear and firm without being harsh, so that the child understands that what he did was wrong, why was it wrong, and to make up for it.
- Handle Conflicts Fairly
Parents and children must be able to achieve mutual understanding and arrive to a solution that is agreed upon fairly.
- Encourage Good Acts
To raise children who value ethics, they must be given the opportunity to practice good acts which later become habits, which will become virtues that will ultimately form their character.
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