This Republic Day let’s look at three things we could do as parents who want to raise good and responsible citizens at home.
I have been contemplating on what it means to be a good Indian citizen. Of course the Constitution of India puts down our fundamental rights and duties as a citizen.
But in this age and era how can we work on the values that motivate us to exercise our rights and fulfil our duties towards our nation? How can we practice these values at home?
I am putting down the answers that I came up with. If you have more to add please feel free to comment at the end of this page.
Set an example for your kids
I know it is obvious but we all know how much our children learn from seeing our behaviour on a daily basis. When we face temptations and challenges in life, they are watching us.
We are giving them a demonstration every time we uphold or disregard our values.
How to set a good example?
- By being active in your community and national life. Showing compassion and concern to your neighbours or friends or family when they’re suffering or when they need your help. Taking interest in India’s developments, voting, volunteering for causes close to your heart are all things you could do to be a good and responsible citizen.
- By displaying self-discipline, self-control, courage, honesty when making difficult decisions at work or home.
- By being consistent about the values you strongly uphold and not present your children with conflicting values. For example you may tell your children that we must save our environment but also go on to use excessive plastic at home and waste paper.
Some of you may wonder if these values are still relevant in today’s world.
Well let me ask you-
Are you aware of the drastic moral changes we are all experiencing as a society….as a planet?
Are you tired of dealing with toxic people at work or in your community?
Have you noticed a change in your own behaviour over a period of time?
Does the increasing crime in your place disturb you?
If your answer is yes, then instead of turning a blind eye to today’s reality, be proactive in making small changes.
Make your home an abode for values that create responsible citizens.
Even if this calls for a lot of unlearning and learning on your part.
Set high standards and clear expectations
Nowadays we are extra careful with our kids. Gentle parenting is great but we must continue to keep high standards.
Children love trying their limits. They will practice different kinds of behaviour to understand what is acceptable and not acceptable. This is how they learn. It is our duty as parents then to make them understand standards from the perspective of love.
For example if your child refuses to keep his room clean, you naturally teach them about what it takes to keep a house clean, how it is every member’s responsibility and the positive and negative consequences of a clean house.
Add on to that by saying that you also keep your room clean because you love your room, you love your house and you love your parents too. By doing your duty well you strengthen this love and connection, thus making your home a peaceful place to live in.
Allow them to explore and struggle in achieving these standards too. They may not agree today. But they will understand when you reiterate this in different situations.
Keep praising, encouraging and reminding about the good they’re capable of and the love they have within.
This will set the standard of how they should be in their neighbourhood, in their school or college, at work or at leisure.
Because if you don’t guide them today, if you neglect their falls or diversions or even them altogether, they will seek for direction outside your home. They will try to understand these values beyond their circle of love- from the media, from their peers and just from anyone who captures their interest!
So don’t be afraid. Set high standards, keep clear expectations and mentor your child towards becoming a responsible person step by step.
Read and encourage curiosity
Stories are a powerful way to influence anyone. No wonder reading is encouraged time and again for kids and adults alike.
Give your kids a library to access and read books from. Give them multiple perspectives by giving them different kinds of books- stories, biographies, autobiographies, collections etc
This will not only help them understand their country and its past and present position but also equip them to think beyond – for their community and country in totality.
Also even though you may feel like it’s enough to hand these books to them, you also need to talk to them about the books they read.
As adults we might understand the underlying theme and message that a book is trying to convey. But children may not. When you ask questions, they may have more questions. Sometimes they may come with ridiculous remarks about the characters or associate the content with borrowed ideas from the conversations they’ve had or overheard in their lifetime.
That’s why it is important to help them reach the message in the right direction. The result is important but in this case the journey too.
I understand its not easy to get these 3 ways right all the time. But if we want our children to live in a less stressful society in the future, we have to take intentional steps towards raising some good and responsible citizens at home.
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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