Here are a few hints that may help you instill in your child a healthy appreciation for his or
her own value and self-worth.
1. Actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate your respect for human life in the way you
treat your child and others. Derogatory language, gossip and disparaging remarks about others say they
deserve little respect, that their lives have questionable value. Avoid the use of excessive, unnecessary
or disrespectful forms of discipline.
2. Be selective in choosing entertainment. Avoid excessively violent programming. Avoid
programming which demeans people's innate value or dignity. Look for programs which stress the continuity
of families and family values.
3. Teach your child about the history of your family, stressing hardships that have been
overcome and positive qualities of character inherent in your family. Teach your child to see himself or
herself as an integral part of a family which spans generations.
4. Teach your child about his or her own unique nature; that no one can adequately take his or
her place. Attempt to instill in your child a sense of positive destiny—that he or she was born with
unique abilities to fulfill a unique purpose in life.
5. Teach your child that pain and problems are temporary;
that patience and endurance are positive aspects of mature character which can only be learned by
experience. Demonstrate these characteristics in your own life.
6. Teach your child about the dangers associated with drugs and alcohol abuse. Avoid
demonstrating the double standard illustrated in the infamous expression, "Do as I say; not as I do."
7. Demonstrate how much value you place upon your child's life by responding to his or her
legitimate needs with sensitivity, respect and compassion. Avoid attempting to pressure your child into a
role which will gratify your ego. To do so denies the value of his or her life's destiny and may
violate his or her sense of personal value by creating tragic and unnecessary feelings of inadequacy.
8. Expose your child to the positive values and hopeful life-view commonly found in religious
faith.1<
Footnote
| 1 |
Sociologist Stephen Stack, using data compiled from 1954 to 1978, has estimated that a 1% increase in youth church attendance would result in a 1.4% decrease in youth suicides. Carlson, Allan C., "Teens Need Family, Not Bureaucrats." Insight, June 30,1986, p. 70. |