Raising Children: The Roles of a Parent : หน้า 61/216

Part Two: Raising Children When our children are young, we are everything to them. As they grow older, friends will influence their thoughts and attitudes more and more. In the teenage years, they will pay less attention to us, though we will remain as important role models for them. When they become adults, they will be independent and will rely on their own intelligence and reasoning. Throughout their lives, it will be necessary for us to adjust ourselves to be consistently sympathetic and empathetic with their changing perspectives. In addition to performing parental duties, we must assume other roles as well: • • Teacher: We must teach our children to discern what is right and wrong, and what they should and should not do. If our children are too young to learn about cause and effect, we must be excellent role models for them. Our efforts must be gentle and warm. Do not teach them with poor judgment or a bad temper! Punishment should be utilized only when it is absolutely necessary and should not involve any physical harm. Cleanliness should be encouraged while they are still very young by involving them in chores like washing clothes and cleaning. Regular bathing, brushing their teeth and eating properly should be taught as early as possible. Do not assume that these lessons are insignificant. Since we are our children's first teacher, we must instill what is right in them. We build the foundation for their good character and help them to have the right outlook on life. As children grow up, this foundation will help them integrate good behavior into their natural habits. Family Day By Day 59 Roles of a Parent