If your house is anything like mine, you probably get a pretty good dose of the daily trials and tribulations of being a child through your child’s eyes. As your child observes the world around them, help them to establish the values that they want to live by through asking them regularly for their take on situations. The more they articulate their values, the easier it will be to match their actions to those values, a hallmark of authenticity.
Here is an example: When my daughter comes home and tells me about a fight at school that involved her friends talking behind each other’s backs, I ask her how she might have dealt with the situation? What does she think would the best way be to deal with a friend that you are frustrated, annoyed or fighting with? It may seem simple, but getting your child to articulate the principles they value helps to keep them front of mind when they are faced with a similar dilemma. To preserve authenticity, try not to coach them on the “right” responses but help them develop their values over time through conversation.
We are most authentic when our values match our actions so reflecting on core beliefs and principles is a great place to start the conversation.
Featured image by Brandon Day on Unsplash.