Raising Children: Building Good Habits : หน้า 57/216

Part Two: Raising Children In order to develop good habits, we must understand two things: (1) Heredity plays an important part in developing virtuous habits. If the parents practice good habits, even before conception, and continue these good habits throughout the pregnancy, the chances are that the child will develop good habits as well. (2) Environment and discipline are also vital in developing virtuous habits. We should start teaching our baby from the day of his/her birth. Do not think that children are too young to learn. Breast feeding on time is one way to teach a baby about punctuality. Changing his/her diaper immediately when it is soiled can build the habit of cleanliness. Finally, speaking with sweet and gentle words will encourage courtesy in our children. Although a newborn child comes into the world with no prior habits, s/he needs a model for his/her thoughts, speech and actions. Whatever action or speech that comes to the baby first will be the first model. Therefore, if the baby receives things which are wholesome and good, s/he will have the opportunity to mimic the wholesomeness and goodness. This solid foundation of what is good and wholesome will withstand any misconduct that might occur in their later years, thus allowing him/her to be able to look after him/herself with independence and responsibility. The baby's first few mistakes are usually very obvious and detectable. A thrown cup. Pinching a buddy's arm. Angry shouts at nursery school. These mistakes prompt us Family Day By Day 55 Building Good Habits