When my kids were little, I learned the importance of teaching them core values thanks to the endless questions they asked. When we watched shows or visited with friends on the playground, scenarios would come up and the questions would come out! Each scenario was so different that I knew I had to give them some basic wisdom that they could apply to any situation. I also knew that if I didn’t help them learn these core values, they’d let the culture tell them what’s important.
Core values are like a navigation system that guides our actions and behaviors. They affect every decision our kids will make from their homes to the lunchrooms to their future offices. Help your kids develop these 7 core values and you’ll be preparing them well.
1. Interdependence
Being in relationships and navigating the challenges and blessings that come from interdependence with others makes us healthy and well-rounded individuals. We were created for community, and in community, we bring balance to each other. It’s important to teach our kids to relate to others in healthy ways.
Teach this core value: Over dinner, ask questions from our free Q&U app. Everyone can take turns answering and asking questions. You’ll learn more about each other, practice taking turns, and engage in conversation.
2. Resilience
Life comes with disappointments and setbacks. It’s important for kids to learn how to overcome painful obstacles. Learning to see them as opportunities for growth teaches our kids to feel powerful instead of like victims to circumstance. Rising above your own disappointments and staying hopeful is the most powerful way to teach resilience.
Teach this core value: Next time your children have a bad day on the field or don’t get what they want, talk through their disappointments with them. Show compassion and empathy for what they’re going through. Then, brainstorm with them for positive steps forward.
3. Self-Respect 
A healthy self-respect will allow your children to say no when they need to. Knowing it’s OK to say no when pressured to do something they don’t want to do validates that their needs are important, too. And honoring someone else’s “no” validates that others’ needs are important as well. Healthy boundaries result from respect for self and are essential for a healthy life.
Teach this core value: Kids grow in self-respect when given a chance to rise to a challenge. Giving them chores allows them to contribute to the family and do a job that has visible results. Use one of our free chore charts for kids to help them track their successes.
4. Integrity
Integrity means I can be counted on to fulfill a commitment I made to the best of my ability. It also means I can admit when I’ve overcommitted and make amends for how it affects others. Additionally, integrity means honesty, trustworthiness, and faithfulness, especially when no one is looking.
Teach this core value: Follow through with your own commitments to your kids to show them firsthand the value of integrity. And when you find yourself breaking your commitments to them, apologize and think about how you’re going to keep your word in the future.
5. A Strong Work Ethic
In order for our children to become successful in life, a strong work ethic is essential. It’s how you respect your bosses, coworkers, and customers. Teaching kids to do regular chores, help prepare dinner, serve their grandparents, and volunteer at church or school are all ways to instill a good work ethic in children.
Teach this core value: Keep trash bags and disposable gloves in the car. When you see garbage on the side of the road or at a park, and you have time, pull over and pick it up. This small act will show your kids the value of hard work and how it contributes to the community.
6. A Relationship With God
For our family, it has been important to teach our children the importance of having a life in connection with God. I’ve come to the conclusion that the one who would know the most about life is the one who created us. A life centered around God brings stability and strength. Awareness of and dependence on Him helps us remember that life is bigger than us.
Teach this core value: Take your kids to church, pray with them, read the Bible together, and talk about how you connect with God. Use our colorful printable to teach them what to pray for.
7. Dreaming and Imagining Possibilities
Having the freedom to dream and imagine encourages a child to tap into his or her potential. Children will find they are capable of so much when given the opportunity to dream. They have plenty of time in adulthood to learn that some dreams are a little outrageous, so for now, cheer them on and help them explore their interests.
Teach this core value: Make dream boards with your kids. Here are some simple instructions to get you started. Be sure to ask your children to think about the kind of people they want to be, not just their career or fun goals (but definitely have them include fun too!).
What are some of the core values you want to teach your kids?
