Values every child needs

A well-behaved child is reflection of values they learn. Net photo 

Read your bible, pray every day if you want to grow. “I taught them a song Read your Bible and pray everyday…” and we read the bible and prayed together. While driving I would play Christian music so that my children could sing along to,” Jackie Asiimwe- Mwesige, a mother of two explains. This helped nurture her sons into God-fearing children.

Always say, “please” and “thank you”
Mwesige further notes that, “We taught them early and often to always say “please” when asking for something and “thank you” after receiving.

Any time they asked for or revived something without using the word we would remind them by asking “what do you say?” And they would have to repeat the sentence using the appropriate word.” Harriet Nampiima, a mother of four, says she just sends the children to church and encourages them to attend Sunday school.

“I guess it’s just luck because my children are prayerful and all thanks to the church teachers who encourage them to pray,” she says.

Honesty
On what to do for a child to be honest, different parents have different styles of treating their children. “I never beat my children no matter how angry I am at them but rather I encourage them to always tell the truth,” Julie Mutesasira, a gospel artiste says.

This she says creates a bond between them and they know why it is important to tell the truth.

Considerate
I always want my children to be mindful of their behaviour because it affects the people around them, Margaret Nakawooya, a vendor says.

“By three years old, a child is aware of her environment and people’s reactions towards what he or she does. When they irritate someone, I wear a sad face and tell them, “bad boy or girl” this makes them feel sad too and they get remorseful. Thereafter, we hug and they say, “sorry mummy.” As such, they avoid hurting others.”

Appreciate hard work
Winnie Namusobya, a trader, says appreciating hard work is one value she ensured that her children learnt by the time they were five years old.

“I work hard to ensure that I earn enough to support my children . I used to take my child with me to the shop so that he appreciates how hard I work to I earn the money I spend on him.”

She adds that by four years old, her first born knew that money is hard earned. “As such, he always handles his belongings cautiously and he is thrifty. He plans and accounts for how he is going to spend it.

This has enabled the other children to learn by example because their older brother always explains to them the importance of handling property carefully and knowing the hustle their mother goes through to bring the bread home.”

Love
There are instances when siblings do not get along simply because there is no bond between them.

“My first born was four and a half years old when I gave birth to her brother. Earlier, I always explained to her that a new baby brother/ sister would arrive and they would play together,” says Sophie Neumbe, a businesswoman.

She adds that the daughter was always excited and looked forward to the new arrival. “From the time the baby was born, she was always ready and willing to care for him. This was impressive and lovely,” Neumbe explains.