Kids need to  learn what to do and what not to do when you’re in public spaces (Photo: Shutterstock)

The foundations of a society are built from the basic family unit. What you’ve been taught at home reflects the kind of adult you will be in future.

It’s unfortunate that some people don’t realize they need to change since toxic behavior has already been ingrained in them. When they get that opportunity to self-reflect, they might not see the value of doing anything different.

As a parent, you should ensure that you correct your kids so they end up being model citizens and a person who others enjoy being around. 

Below are some of the key principles you should start instilling in your little ones. 

  1. Honesty

Honesty is a virtue that not too many people respect these days. People think it’s normal to have a little dishonesty so that they can siphon the advantages they can get.

Kids need to learn early that they should never ignore the consequences of being a liar or someone who has no hint of integrity at all. This will shape how they relate with others and how they operate even when they get jobs or own businesses in future.

  1. Respect for parents

Be a role model to your kids (Photo: Shutterstock)

You have to make sure you’re a role model to them first. If they grow up witnessing a lot of disrespectful behavior from you as their parents, they will mirror the exact same behavior and eventually have no problem disrespecting you.

A child who has no respect for their parents can’t respect others or even figures of authority like teachers at school.

  1. Behaving infront of guests

It can be very embarrassing for a parent when their child starts to behave badly when they have guests over. They won’t know the right thing to say when answering the door and they will assume it’s okay to have outbursts in front of everyone.

Avoid all that by teaching them how to carry themselves appropriately when guests are over so that they can also maintain the same attitude when it’s your turn to visit others in their homes.

  1. Letting others speak

They shouldn’t talk over or dismiss anyone (Photo: Shutterstock)

This lesson will help them have self-control when dealing with others, including their peers. They shouldn’t talk over or dismiss someone when they’re trying to tell them something. Once they understand that this is a reflection of rude behavior, they will stop.

From then on, they will be able to make friends and maintain good relationships with people around them.

  1. How to carry themselves in public

They also need to learn what to do and what not to do when you’re in public spaces. They should know that littering all over the place, eating food off the floor, talking to strangers and throwing tantrums should be avoided.

  1. Respect for people’s things

This is how you can avoid habits like stealing early on. If they take a toy that’s not theirs, you need to have a serious talk about it so that they don’t repeat the same in future. They definitely don’t want to be branded as a thief so you have to be very stern about this topic.

This is also important so they can take good care of people’s items whenever they borrow them. It’s never great when something you have lent someone comes back in a sorry state.