Teach by Example

teaching

Here’s another post from Lou Tice at the Winners Circle. In this one, Lou gives us some good parenting advice — advice that it would’ve been helpful to have getting on for twenty-seven years ago.

What is the best way to teach children? There are many theories about the most effective way to teach children. Some say repetition is important, while others say hands-on experiences are better. Some say kids learn best in a highly structure environment, while others think the freedom to experiment works best.

Here is what I think. The best way to teach children – is by loving example. This means that if you want your children to enjoy reading, cuddle them while you read to them, from a very early age. If you want them to be respectful, give them your respect. If you want them to be honest, tell them the truth. And, if you want them to be affectionate, treat them that way.

If you want your kids to be good communicators, give them plenty of interest and attention. And, if you would like them to eventually be capable of a good, solid relationship with a spouse, work on your own marriage until it shines. You see, it won’t matter what you tell them, if what you do doesn’t match up with what you say.

You can tell them to be honest, but if they know you cheat on your taxes, lie about being sick to your employer, or say one thing in public and another at home, they will learn from your behavior – not from your words.

So, if you want your children to be happy and competent, don’t worry so much about exactly how or what to teach them. If you put your energy into living the best life you can, and make sure your kids know that they are well-loved, you will be teaching them a lesson that will stay with them throughout their lives.

Lou Tice
The Pacific Institute

For what it’s worth, I think Lou is absolutely right with this advice. It would have been very helpful to have had it around before we had children. Although, it probably was in some form or another, but twenty-seven years ago I would’ve still been at an age when I knew everything — it’s only in later years that I’ve realized I didn’t.

Despite not having had that advice, however, I’d like to think that, more by luck than judgement, that’s how we tried to bring our girls up. We didn’t always succeed, probably more often than we would want to admit, but that’s pretty well where we were aiming. And whether or not we succeeded in our aim, our girls have grown up into very special adults. They both make us immensely proud, and are the sort of people I want to be friends with.

Another thought-provoking and helpful email from Lou Tice at the Winners Circle. If you think you might be helped by the same daily emails, do please consider subscribing yourself to the Winners Circle.