You are Your Child’s First Teacher

A child is exposed to a home environment prior to entering preschool or kindergarten.  It is, therefore, incumbent on the parents to set a good example that the child can emulate, in the way of behavior and attitude. Teaching good values does not solely hinge on verbal instructions.  How parents act in the presence of  children is extremely important.  Proper behavior and attitude at home are naturally mimicked by a child, together with verbal instructions.  During this period, when the child’s mind is particularly resilient,  it is important that you exercise a well-coordinated influence on the child’s desirable approach to things that are morally and mentally beneficial.

What is taught in preschool or kindergarten is learning to read and write, as well as other aspects of instruction, relative to the child’s overall exposure to an academic environment that is different from that of a home.  Bear in mind, you are your child’s first teacher. How you behave and react toward your child become conducive to his or her mental and moral development.

When parents argue and exchange unpleasant words in the presence of their children, the adverse effect on their minds becomes glaringly evident as far as mannerism and behavior are concerned.  Parents should demonstrate traits that the child  can emulate.  A child’s mental flexibility is critical to how he or she behaves outside the home environment.  A sensible relationship between both parents serves as a lesson the child learns and practices naturally.  It is a known fact that children become adversely affected when parents quarrel and get abusive in their presence.  It is no wonder that many children become abusive themselves when they attain adulthood.  They adopt an unpleasant attitude toward others, get grumpy and prone to anger and violence. A child’s sensitivity to domestic problems is well-known. 

Discipline at home accounts for the child’s adjustment to circumstances in preschool and beyond, where  initial relationships with other children speak loudly about the environment at home.

Parents should expose their children to the accepted pricinples and set values at an early age, as follows:

1. Good conduct and behavior
2. Encourage the child to help with some light domestic chores
3. Cease and desist from quareling and being abusive in the child’s presence
4. Teach the child to be respectful and share certain moral values with peers
5. Encourage the child to do his or her homework on a regular basis, with parental help, from time to time
6. be kind, honest and truthful at all times.

In conclusion, a home environment paves the way toward yet another environment that is different, and must be considered as an essential prelude to the child’s development, mentally and morally.