I admit this is a very hard yet interesting topic to talk about which is probably why only a few were able to join us (apart from the lack of lead time of course! my bad!). Anyway, as there were only a few to round up, I might as well make this a lengthy one. :)
What are values?
Wiktionary's concise definition states that values are...
... a collection of guiding, usually positive principles; what one deems to be correct and desirable in life, especially regarding personal conduct.
But this definition from Suite101, I think, says it better.
Values are deeply held beliefs that guide our behaviors and decisions. They reside deeply within the subconscious and are tightly integrated into the fabric of everyday living. We make decisions and choose behaviors, friends, employment, and entertainment based, in large part, on our values.
Survey says...
Well, of the three (and that's including me) who participated in this carnival, I think the top three values that are the most popular are honesty, respect and humility.
As respect comes in different forms, Mommy Joey gives us a breakdown on how it should be manifested.
-Respect for a Higher Being
Catholics and Christians believe in God, Muslims have Allah as the center of their faith, Buddhists uphold the teachings of Buddha. I believe it's important that we realize that there's a Force greater than us -- and that we must respect that.
- Respect for other people
Simple acts of courtesy like waiting for your turn, letting people pass, paying the proper amount in a transaction, these all show that you believe that the other people are as important as you are, and that they deserve to be treated the same way that you want to be treated.
- Respect for nature
Throwing garbage in their proper receptacles. No cutting of trees and plants. Cleaning up waterways. These all show respect for nature. Because nature deserves no less. Because if we do not respect nature, our lives would eventually be miserable.
- Respect for life
Every living thing deserves its place under the sun. Unless it's important (food, medicinal use, for example), there is no reason to kill other creatures (or humans, for that matter).
- Respect for laws, rules and people in authority
Even if sometimes (ok, a lot of times!), those in authority do not seem to worthy of respect, we do need to follow the laws and abide by the set rules because these are there in order to ensure a smooth running of the whole community.
Mommy Jigi, on the other hand, narrates her frustration in trying to teach her young daughter the value of being honest.
Kids tend to lie and make up stories just to avoid being in trouble thinking that mum and dad will not find out. I should know - our littlemissy have done this many times that its infuriating. Why is this value so hard to learn these days. I suppose because our children are exposed to others who may not hold this value important in their home. To this day, I get disappointed when I find out that our littlemissy still throws in some fibs here and there. I wish that she would realize that the reason why I discipline her when she bends the truth or not tell the truth at all is that because my mother instilled this to us and this have many benefits not only as a child but in all the dealings that we do in our everyday life.
As for humility, I have always been turned off with people who are boastful and more so, if they very vocal about it. Each one of us is unique and we have our own strengths and weaknesses. If we have something to be proud about, let others recognise it. In the same manner, as we are not perfect individuals, let us be humble enough to own up to our mistakes and be responsible for the consequences that result from it. That is what I want to instill in our little girl.
We all want to impart several things to our children, especially the nonmaterial ones which they can take with them wherever they go and whoever they may turn out to be in the future. I am sure we can all agree that materials things do not make the person that we are but rather, it is what is in our hearts and souls which define us as human beings.
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