As parents we all want to raise responsible, respectful and compassionate kids, do we not The most common way parents teach these traits is by lecturing when they see their child doing something irresponsible, disrespectful or uncaring. These lectures unfortunately either fall on deaf ears or are understood for a moment, until another stimuli attracts their attention.
A more proactive, effective approach is to do two things consistently:
1) Read stories that teach lessons and
2) Point out and congratulate your child when you see them doing something you like or are trying to teach.
Reading stories to children that share a message is one of the best ways to subtly encourage positive traits. Children tend to become immersed in stories they hear or read and therefore want to emulate the characters they so enjoy. The characters, along with you, their parents, are their role models so they will tend to follow what they see. Most often, the characters in the story are about the child s own age, therefore it is easier for them to make a connection with the values being taught.
After reading the story to your child you can engage in a conversation about the message again, being very subtle. For example, you can say, The hare sure learned that it is better to be patient, didn t he What follows is a brief list of some great books that teach a variety of traits or lessons.
1) Borrowing and returning something in good order A Bargain for Frances
2) Unconditional love I Love you, Stinky Face
3) Knowing yourself and what makes you happy Max, The Stubborn Little Wolf
4) Telling the truth and earning trust The Boy Who Cried Wolf
5) Saving and preparing for the future The Ant and the Grasshopper
