Raising children is one of the most important and challenging responsibilities for parents. It’s not just about providing food and shelter, but also teaching children values and shaping their character. Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, founder of Drishti IAS Coaching, recently shared his views on the crucial lessons parents should focus on while raising their children. He emphasized that children should be taught good manners, humility, and the importance of learning from mistakes.
Teach Children to Speak Politely
One of the key points Dr. Divyakirti highlighted is the importance of teaching children to speak politely. Politeness is an essential trait that helps children earn respect from others throughout their lives. Whether it’s talking to family members, teachers, or friends, being polite reflects good upbringing and strong character.
Parents can play a major role in this by setting an example. When parents speak politely at home, children naturally learn and imitate them. Parents need to create an environment where respect and kindness are part of daily conversations.
Encourage Humility and Respect for Elders
Another important lesson Dr. Divyakirti suggests is teaching children to bow down to elders and show respect. He believes that respecting others is as important as receiving respect in life. When children learn to be humble and respect others, it contributes to their overall personality development.
This habit of humility not only helps in social interactions but also builds strong relationships. It lays the foundation for a respectful and empathetic individual, who can navigate life with grace and kindness.
Accepting and Learning from Mistakes
Dr. Divyakirti also mentioned that glorifying a child’s mistakes can be harmful in the long run. Instead, parents should teach children to accept their mistakes and learn from them. Admitting when they are wrong and saying “sorry” can help children understand accountability and responsibility.
For instance, if a child misbehaves or accidentally breaks something, they should be encouraged to apologize. Learning to say sorry can improve their relationships with others and teach them the importance of owning up to their actions.
Dealing with Failure Positively
Dr. Divyakirti emphasized that failure is a natural part of life and children should not fear it. Instead of being afraid of failure, children should learn to embrace it as a learning opportunity. Parents can support their children by teaching them that failures provide valuable lessons and motivate them to try harder next time.
When children learn to face failure with confidence, they develop resilience, which is an important quality for achieving long-term success in both personal and professional life.
The Importance of Sharing
Finally, Dr. Divyakirti stressed the importance of teaching children the value of sharing. Sharing not only strengthens friendships but also promotes generosity and empathy. Parents should encourage their children to share their toys, food, or other belongings with friends and siblings.
Involving children in group activities where they interact and share with others can help build this habit. The simple act of sharing teaches children that kindness and cooperation are important parts of building healthy relationships.
