How to Teach Your Children to Lead a Meaningful Life
“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” — Denis Waitley, motivational speaker
These days, we often hear people talk about living a meaningful life. It isn’t a secret that we as adults have been struggling quite hard to deal with our lives. My curiosity pushed me to observe people and gather more details about what exactly a meaningful life could be. Gradually, I came to the conclusion that everyone must be encouraged to live a life that is meaningful.
This would imbibe a sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, and purpose from a young age, and we wouldn’t grow up to be miserable and directionless. Yes, that is a meaningful life.
We are well-aware that morals and values directly affect our lives and there is no harm in sowing these seeds at an early age. As parents, it would be the greatest contribution to their lives.
Steps to Teach Your Children to Lead a Meaningful Life
- Instill in them a sense of gratitude, compassion, and accountability.
- Let them contribute something for someone in their own way.
- Allow them to find happiness in simple things. Educate them that possessions and materials don’t always bring satisfaction. Do not kill their innocence.
- Social skills begin with frequent family gatherings. Also, advise them to make friends quite early.
- Teach them the value of passion and perseverance. Encourage them to make mistakes and then use their failures as fuel to move ahead.
- Harness their curiosity and imagination. Encourage them to ask questions.
- Reassure them that it’s okay to feel sad and have negative feelings. Help them fight it positively.
- Teach them the importance of good health and nutritious food.
Unconsciously, our children teach us little things while we are busy teaching them valuable lessons.
Don’t just teach them something for the sake of teaching. Try to practice those lessons yourself; because they are watching you closely and don’t forget, they are masters of imitation.
Become a happier person yourself. Live life to the fullest. Achieve your goals.
“Children need models rather than critics.”
— Joseph Joubert, French moralist
