Teaching "Values"

[jnezmama02]

What "values" do you want to teach your child as your child grows up?

What role, if any, do you think school (for those not homeschooling) should play in teaching these "values"?

[kokonutmama]

OK, let's see.

Social Conscience.  If I can do something the doesn't necessarily benefit _me_ but other people, I should do it just for the sake of helping out.

Compassion.

Integrity.  To me, this is about doing what is right.  Putting thought into my actions, instead of just doing what I do because it's what I do, if you catch my drift.  Maybe that's not integrity...

Responsibility.  Follow-through.  Reliability.

Everything else that comes to mind either follows from those or is really a value I hold personally, but think Kody will either come to on his own, or find some other path. 

If Kody goes to school, I really hope that they expect these things of him.  I also hope that the teachers, etc. lead by example.  Goodness!  Imagine how hard it would be to explain to him why his teacher was irresponsible or didn't show compassion.  I might have to have a talk with such a teacher.  It might not be directly, but teachers really are our employees, right?  So I don't guess it's out of line to suggest that they exhibit some basic values.  I'll have to run that by my mom, though.  She's a teacher and might have some insight.

[moogie]

Adrienne, I like that list.

I have always had a problem with people not respecting others especially when they are from a lower class.  I don't think respect should be earned(i think that is a backwards view).  I have had people not give me respect because of how i dress or because of my socio economic background and i think it is just wrong.  I guess its about treating people equally.  I think its like "innocent until proven guilty" - "respected until you do something to lose respect".

[kokonutmama]

Something I was thinking as I posted last, but didn't mention, I think I"ll mention now, since my mom brought it up.  School teachers have to cater to so many different people: School administrators, government agencies, other teachers, their own values and the values of all the parents.  Not to mention the individual students' views.  It's hard for them to please everyone.  Mom said of course it's within a parent's right to bring up an issue of modeling values in the classroom, but just because the parent brings it up doesn't mean anything will change in the future.  I'd still say somthing, though, since squeeky wheels get grease.