5 Important Life Lessons Every Child Should Learn

Are kids today learning all the important life lessons?

I guess you're answer to that depends on what you believe the important life lessons are.

And for everyone it's going to be different.

Personally, the following is the five most important things I strive to teach my children:

1. BE KIND:  While I don't expect them to allow themselves to be used or abused, I also teach my chidlren to remember that everyone is an individual, with unique talents, personalities, and even personal difficulties.   Offer everyone kindess, even if they don't offer it to you.
2. LIVE IN THE MOMENT:  There is nothing wrong with planning for your future, but you have to make sure you enjoy the here-and-now too.  Especially childhood.  There's only one time in our lives we are offered the freedoms that come with childhood; don't overlook them or wish them away. Just live!
3. SAVE, SPEND, GIVE:  I believe this is the triad of financial well-being.  I teach my child to save for tomorrow, spend some for the things we need and want today, and give to those who are less fortunate.
4. INDEPENDENCE:  Some conformity is good, it's how we create law and order in a civilized society.  However, I also encourage my children to not be afraid to express themselves.  You don't always have to think inside the box.
5. IF YOU'RE HAPPY, THEN YOU ARE HAPPY:  You can't make everyone happyy all of the time, so it's important for children to know they have to seek out their own happiness.  Lose the negative friends, pursue the interests you enjoy, date that "uncool" gal or guy that your friends don't like - if it feels right, then it probably is...for you.  (Of course, I do have to remind my children this life lesson doesn't apply to homework, curfews, and the sort! lol)

All of The life lessons that I teach may not be what is right for your child(ren) but I hope somewhere in there I've given one idea that may change your child's life.

 

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Nanny McPhee Returns blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

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Tell Me About The Best Life Lesson You've Learned

I used to be extremely judgmental of people. I was horrible! It seemed that there was constantly critizing someone for the things they did; how they reacted to situations.

I never really believed I was better than anyone, but my thoughts and actions sure didn't show it.

I guess more than anything I thought I was smarter than others; or maybe I thought things could never happen to me and, if they did it wouldn't be nearly as bad. Because I, the all-knowing one, would handle it perfectly.

Boy, was I ever setting myself up to be taught some horrendous life lessons. Lessons that would come with heartache and headache and leave me in a position to be judged myself.

I made it through those difficult times; and surprisingly mentally and emotionally intact (although at times that is questionable).

I wouldn't trade what I experienced for anything in the world. By walking the proverbial mile in someone else shoes, I have learned to be a better person, mother, and wife. I also learned to think before you speak or act because, at some point in life (whether it be sooner or later), it will come home to you.

My question for you this week:

What's The Best Life Lesson You've Learned?

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