12 Essential Moral Values for Students to Build a Strong Foundation for Life

Introduction

Moral values can be defined as a set of principles and ethics that give a person the ability to make the right decisions and identify wrong things in life. A child who learns moral values early on in their life becomes a more credible and honest individual. Additionally, teaching moral values to kids from an early age lets the child develop a deeper understanding of emotions and responsibilities. Besides, moral values also help the child shape their attitude in a way that supports their journey in school.

The child becomes more obedient, punctual, friendly, and honest, all of which are necessary to have a satisfactory academic experience. Parents should act as the guiding compass during the growing years of a child and encourage the facilitation and learning of important moral values.

12 Essential Moral Values for Students to Learn

• Honesty

Being honest is a practice of always being truthful and showing the utmost respect to people around you. An honest child is liked by teachers, parents, and peers. It also helps in inculcating the moral value of being fair while giving exams or indulging in different competitive activities. For example, an honest child will admit that they are wrong, or some mistake is made, even if they might have to endure a punishment.

• Compassion

Compassion refers to extending feelings of love and understanding others’ emotions. Teaching kids compassion from an early age makes them understand the realities of life and encourages a child to do something significant for the underprivileged or deprived sections of society. Offering a friend help in understanding a subject he/she is finding difficulties with can make kids learn about compassion in real life.

• Hard Work

Hard work is the key to success and ensures that a child achieves their fullest potential. Teaching kids the importance of hard work helps in inculcating a mindset that focuses on one's work and efforts rather than depending on luck and finding the easier route. Hard work is a moral value that can help the child face all the challenges of life without any external support by relying on their efforts. For example, studying for an exam diligently without last-minute hack or depending on what others are preparing.

• Gratitude

Gratitude refers to extending appreciation and thanking parents, teachers, and other people in one's life for all the opportunities and help received. It helps in cultivating a mindset where a child doesn't take anything for granted and always shows respect to people around. For example, saying ‘thank you’ after receiving help or favors.

• Sharing

Educating the kids about sharing what they have with people who are in need is a great way of inculcating empathy from an early age. This can simply start with encouraging the child to share their toys or edibles with cousins and friends. Slowly, parents must encourage their children to donate books and clothes to other kids who are in need. For example, promoting kids to share their food during lunch break with a friend who has forgotten to bring their lunchbox.

• Responsibility

Responsibility is the quality of taking accountability for one’s actions and being careful while carrying out all the duties assigned. Parents can start teaching responsibility to their kids by assigning them to do different chores in the house, such as cleaning the room, dusting the furniture, or mopping the floor. Slowly, the child should be given the responsibility of managing their books, setting a timetable, putting their clothes in the cupboard, and much more. Encouraging kids to take the initiative of cleaning one's room or helping parents with household chores can improve their sense of responsibility.

• Cooperation

When a child is working in a group setting, it is very important to have an understanding and helpful attitude. This is referred to as cooperation. A cooperative child pays attention to others' advice and believes in working together to achieve a common goal. Such an attitude helps the child understand the value of working in synergy and the strength that lies in unity. A cooperative child is more likely to establish a vast social circle and get in touch with great opportunities for their future. For example, fostering an environment where kids listen to each other’s opinions while working on a group project may help them understand cooperation better.

• Respect

Paying respect and considering everyone around as an equal irrespective of their age, religion, background, and other such parameters is a valued trait that a child must learn early on. Respecting everyone while accepting their differences also allows the child to develop a broader perspective towards the world. It also makes the child blend in easily in different types of circumstances and make the best use of the present opportunities. For example, addressing kids respectfully and greeting them with a kind 'hello’ or ‘good morning’ whenever you meet them.

• Humility

Humility is the quality of accepting one's shortcomings and limitations. Teaching children humility allows them to work on their weak areas and have an openness toward accepting others’ constructive criticism and advice. It helps in developing a mindset where a child is constantly working to create a better version of themselves and not become complacent. Humility may also help enhance coordination between a group and avoid ego conflicts or communication barriers. For example, making kids understand the importance of paying attention to parents’ and teachers' valuable advice and taking it seriously to modify one's behavior and routine. Also, encouraging kids to share their knowledge with peers to make their conceptual understanding better may also promote the cultivation of humility in a kid.

• Courage

Courage is the ability to become stronger than one's fears and make ethical decisions, even when circumstances are challenging. A courageous child is someone who makes the right decision, even if it makes them uncomfortable. Courageous children will have the grit to go through an uncomfortable path that is difficult rather than choosing a comfortable path that leads to an ethically wrong end goal. For example, motivating kids to stand up for the right cause in life even when their friends or other people might not agree with it may teach them to be courageous.

• Perseverance

Perseverance is a virtue that teaches the child the importance of never giving up even when the times are testing. A persevering child will focus their undivided attention on the target and remain oblivious to any external disturbances and obstructions. It also fosters the ability to adapt to the changing environment and solve problems spontaneously. For example, pushing kids to be dedicated and targeted, even after facing multiple challenges in a particular sports activity or in studies.

• Forgiveness

The ability to forgive and let go is important to avoid unnecessary conflict and violence. It also helps a child understand how to deal with someone who wronged them through kind words and logical explanations. A forgiving child is more likely to develop an amiable friend circle and indulge in fewer fights and disagreements at school. For example, making a child forgive a friend after a fight and apologize to them right away can make a child understand the importance of forgetting grudges and burying the hatchet.

Conclusion

Teaching your kids morality allows them to make principled decisions from an early age. Parents must take the responsibility of shaping their kids into individuals who are accountable for their actions and are keen on making meaningful life decisions. It also helps in making a child adapt to self-regulatory practices which serve as a good base for a successful life.