Grown-ups Info page

Thanks for supporting your child to become a Worldbuddy. Each term we’ll be updating this page with more Hot Tips from Parents Inc. that will help you coach your child to think beyond themselves.

For answers to frequently asked questions about Worldbuddies please click here .

 

Most of us not only want our children to know what our values are, we want them to recognise their value and choose them for themselves. However, it is rare that our children will adopt a carbon copy of our ethics, tastes and choices. They are more likely to unravel our garment of values, and re-knit something that will fit them. But our hope is that it will at least be of the same fibre of values as ours.

Remember parents - our home is bugged! In every home there are two microphones per child - one in each ear! These microphones transmit all they hear to highly impressionable minds. These sounds then become the vocabulary of the child and his basis for action.

When you help your children with Worldbuddy activities, you will have the chance to talk with them about why you think it is important to help those living in need and in particular your sponsored child. This is your chance to give your children an insight into your value system and what is important to you.

The challenge is to include values into the everyday dynamics of our households and create a family 'culture'. Let forming values in your family be a fun thing.

(Source: www.parentsinc.org.nz/recognising-values last accessed 9/09/2008)

 

Worldbuddies is about getting children to understand that many children do not live like they do and it is an opportunity for you as their parent or caregiver to help them develop values like generosity, kindness and compassion. Instilling values in children is a huge responsibility – so here are some do’s and don’ts.

DO
• Look for 'teachable moments'
• Applaud effort when you see it
• See children for who they are
• Expect children to be responsible
• Help them face their tests
• Correct children when they go wrong
• Show them what they can do rather than just telling them what they can't do

DON'T
• Use values to preach or moralise
• Leave children to their own devices
• Ignore efforts to improve
• Over protect or indulge children
• Overestimate what they are capable of
• Underestimate what they are capable of

For more Parenting Tips and resources go to www.theparentingplace.com

Check out Parents Inc. 14 Ways to Teach Your Child Values poster

This delightfully presented A2 poster by Parents Inc. elaborates on 14 different ways to teach your child important values including "Kindess", "Respect", "Courage", "Self-Control" and "Responsibility". A wonderful addition of practical encouragement in your home.

To order your copy from Parents Inc. click here