How To Raise Good Children In A BAD WORLD

Standards around you may be slipping, but if you are a good parent, this article will be a help to you, for being a better, and successful parent in your generation.

Corruption is now more rampant than it was years ago, research shows. An opinion poll  the BBC news network in 2010 showed that 56 per cent of the people interviewed said that their country had become more corrupt.

Of the 13,000 people worldwide polled for this corruption barometer, more than half admitted to have paid a bribe in the past year. In addition, the majority of the interviewees ranked corruption as the second most important issue affecting their country, next only to poverty, but edging out climate change, unemployment and the increasing prices of food and energy.

And it's not just the governments that are seen as corrupt. Religious organisations experienced a sharp rise in their reputation for corruption—from 28 per cent in 2004 to 53 per cent by 2010.

These figures prove that parents today have the task of raising children to become honest and responsible individuals in spite of their own concerns about corruption in the country and in the world. Here are some tips on how to teach children about integrity:

SHOW CHILDREN THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING PROMISES

Children should be made to know that when they give their word to do (or not to do) something, they should not renege on it. For example, if they promise a friend that they will help him with his homework, but later decide not to, remind them that being able to live up to commitments is a measure of integrity. Ask them how they would feel if they were the ones getting blown off by someone they were relying on.

TEACH THEM TO BE RESPONSIBLE

Simple chores like putting away toys or throwing their trash properly remind your children that they are expected to contribute to the world in positive ways. Everyone has to do his fair share in keeping his surroundings peaceful and orderly. Besides, giving children responsibilities early will help them grasp the notion that in life, there's no such thing as a free ride or a shortcut to success.

TEACH THEM COMPASSION

Children should be taught that their words and actions can have an impact on how others feel. Let them know that saying or doing hurtful things makes other people feel bad. On the other hand, positive actions yield positive reactions. Expose them to situations that involve less-fortunate people (i.e., orphanages) and show them that the simple act of sharing goes a long way in improving someone else's life.

DISCIPLINE THEM WHEN THEY MISBEHAVE

Do not tolerate dishonesty. Teach your children boundaries. Words and actions are either right or wrong, there should be no grey areas. If they misbehave, explain why their actions were wrong and apply the corresponding consequence. No bad deed should be brushed off, as it teaches your child that he can do bad things and be allowed to get away with it.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Children are much more visual than adults; the lessons you teach your child will be much more effective if they see you doing the same things. Do not tell your child it's important to keep their word, and then let him overhear you telling your husband that you're skipping out on volunteering at a school event because you are feeling lazy.