Set Guidelines
Setting rules for children at an early age is one of the best ways to encourage children to form acceptable behaviors. The PTA (Parents and Teachers Association) suggests setting regular bedtimes, curfews and rules for gathering with friends. Setting rules at a young age encourages children to stay within boundaries set by parents and grow up in a secure and somewhat regulated environment, which often offers children a sense of constancy and security.
Set Examples
Be prepared to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. Offer children examples that you as a parent follow yourself. Don't be a hypocrite. Set examples for children on how to treat their peers and their elders. Respect and courtesy are basic examples of behavior that all children should be taught at a young age. Parents lead by example. Parents who are courteous and respectful of others pass down their values and behaviors onto impressionable children who automatically (in most cases) will follow that example.
Teaching Self-Esteem
Be aware that self-esteem plays a large role in how a child feels about herself, as well as her desire to strive for future goals, feel a true part of a family and generate solid and secure relationships in her later years. Teach children that they are worthy of love and respect. Self-esteem is an important aspect of early childhood development. According to Randy Craig, Editorial Manager of PTA.org, teaching self-esteem means offering praise for a job well done, positive thinking and expression of thoughts, and helping children understand that it's okay to be disappointed or to not always get their way.
Consistency
Be consistent in areas of discipline and guidance. If it's not okay for one child, it shouldn't be okay for another. Being consistent generates feelings of trust and security in children. A parent's feelings regarding dating, smoking or unacceptable behaviors should be consistent throughout the child's upbringing.
Teaching Values
Teaching a child values is an essential part of his future character. In most family environments, teaching the importance of values is first begun through storytelling. Teaching children the difference between right and wrong, mean and kind, and polite and rude will instill such foundations in their character, which will encourage compassion and empathy for others that may last a lifetime.
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