What do you instill in your children?

One thing I am trying to teach my children is to have respect for others and for themselves. Another one that children seem to not have today is good manners. Having good manners is something I really value in children and adults and I am constantly telling my eldest that please and thankyou are two very important words that cost nothing but make others happy and feel appreciated.

My children a grown - 2 of them are grandparents. The thingds that were important to both me and their father were honesty, decency and if the goofed up to admit what they had done wrong.

The best way to teach your child is by example. I wanted my children to grow up with many values and ethics so I lived them. I was polite and kind, I worked hard and was dependable, I was honest, thrifty, regularly saved money for the future. As my children grew older I gave them responsibilities around the house, let them know that I appreciated their efforts or that I didn't appreciate it when they slacked off. I didn't let them make excuses for bad behavior, slack off on their schoolwork even if they argued with me and kept tabs on who their friends were and where they went. I refused to let them hang out with kids who I believed to be bad so, instead of getting into trouble with these kids, they watched them get into trouble again and again from the sidelines. I let my kids know every day that I love them and still tell them that I do. My kids did not turn out perfect but they do have a good set of values, are very responsible and have a good work ethic. When they mess up they admit it and strive to do better...and the ones who have kids of their own are passing along the same lessons to their kids.