Moral development in a child is as important as physical or cognitive development, which makes it a crucial part of parenting. Teaching morals can be tricky, especially because children develop gradually in this area. Good moral behavior includes honesty, kindness, generosity, loyalty, empathy, respect and forgiveness. It is important to understand ways you can help pass on morals and teach right from wrong in any stage of your child’s moral development.
Step 1
Talk to your child about what good moral behavior looks like. Use opportunities such as storybook plots or movies to discuss what is right and wrong. Ask him how he would feel in certain situations.
Step 2
Set an example in your daily life. Treat your child with fairness, kindness and empathy, and treat other adults and family members that way as well. If you encourage your child's moral development only verbally and do not demonstrate how morals work, she may not grasp the concept as well. Dr. Robert Coles, a child psychiatrist, says your child measures you by your actions.
Step 3
Respect your child, and make it clear that he must respect you in return. Ohio State University Extension states that requiring courtesy and respect can help your child realize that respect should be given to adults and caregivers.
Step 4
Weigh your child’s opinions before determining rules or disciplinary actions. Even if you choose not to reflect her opinions in your final decision, you are showing her that her thoughts are valued. This exhibits fairness and contributes to her moral understanding by helping her realize that every point of view is important.
Step 5
Give your child age-appropriate household chores so he can begin to understand the importance of responsibility, and encourage him to volunteer for a service project or donate items to charity. This helps him understand the importance of giving.
Step 6
Spend as much quality time with your child as possible. Ohio State University Extension states that parents who spend quality time with their children and combine that with abundant love have children with higher moral development.
