Values, Ethics And Character
As children grow, their parents, caregivers
and teachers provide instructions such as,
“Say please and thank you,” “Share your toys,”
or “Do not cheat,” that teach them how to behave.
It can be more difficult to teach values — such
as respect, kindness and honesty — that guide
appropriate behavior and form a foundation for
strong character. Nevertheless, children need
loving adults to help them discern right from
wrong and inspire them to make right choices even
when it is difficult to do so.
Raising children of character requires time,
attention, love and instruction. It involves regular
learning and practice doing the right things. By actively
teaching values and ethics to your children and modeling
the behaviors you expect from them, you can help them
grow into confident and happy adults who contribute to
their community, both at and away from work.
It is never too early or too late
for your family to begin focusing on values,
ethics and character. When you begin, it
helps to have a common understanding of what
values are and how they develop.
What Are Values?
Whether consciously or unconsciously, everyone
lives according to values.
- Values are deeply held
personal beliefs, desires and ideals. They are a
filter for perceiving the world and acting in
it.
- Values determine
decisions and behavior. For example, an
individual who values honesty and loyalty will
be truthful and be faithful to family and
friends.
- Values may conflict. For example,
honesty and loyalty may conflict when
telling the truth means getting a
friend in trouble.
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Examples
Of Values |
|
Compassion |
Loyalty |
|
Courage |
Respect |
|
Honesty |
Responsibility |
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Integrity |
Service |
|
Justice |
Trustworthiness |
What Are Ethics?
Ethics are principles that define right and wrong.
- Ethics suggest how an
individual should behave. They reveal what is
right or appropriate, regardless of personal
values. For example, whether or not an
individual values honesty, it is right (or
ethical) to be truthful and wrong (or unethical)
to deceive.
- Ethics help balance conflicting values.
Ethics do not always reveal a simple,
right or wrong course of action. They may
also provide a framework for evaluating
and deciding what to do when facing
a difficult choice.
| Examples Of Ethical Principles |
| At Home |
- Respect and obey parents.
- Treat others as you want them to treat you.
- Take good care of possessions.
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| At School |
- Respect the privilege of learning.
- Set high standards for personal achievement.
- Demonstrate respect for school authorities, teachers and students.
|
| At Play |
- Play fairly and obey the rules of the game.
- Respect the authority of coaches and game officials.
- Be courteous to the opposing team.
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What Is Character?
Character is a durable framework of values and
ethics that guides or shapes behavior. Having
character means consistently living out values
and practicing ethical behavior.
- Character requires an
understanding of how to recognize right and
wrong.
- Positive character requires the self-discipline
to choose what is right, no matter what.
How Do They Develop?
Values and ethics develop over time based
on the examples and influences of:
- Parents and loving
adults such as caregivers, teachers and coaches.
- Siblings, friends,
classmates and teammates.
- Historical figures,
business or political leaders and celebrities.
- Messages and lessons presented through
print, film, television, music or video.
Children need guidance to form good
values and ethics. Parents and other loving
adults must deliberately teach and model
values, ethics and character, or children
will likely absorb a system of behavior
based on the ideas and examples they receive
from peers, media messages and what seems to
benefit them at the moment.
Topics covered in this section are:
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Education
Education