Aside from academic excellence, it is also imperative that children cultivate their character. This is a concern that international schools in Manila make sure to address. This May, we are going to talk more about ‘trustworthiness,’ which is our virtue of the month.
Trustworthiness is the capability to be truthful and honest; a person, who embodies it, is someone you could rely on. Learning to manifest it as early as possible would mean that you would have many lasting and meaningful relationships with the people around you.
As a parent, you would want to establish this kind of bond with your children so you can be confident that they would always do the right thing.
Luckily, you could teach trustworthiness to your kids. Here are some ways for you to do so.
Be a Good Example
Start small by constantly displaying a trustworthy demeanor.
If you promise your child that you will pick her up from school at a specific time, then do your best to be there on time.
Show your child that being trustworthy means you have to be somebody that others can count on—a person of their word.
Give Praise for Any Trace of Trustworthiness
Children have a tendency to seek the approval of their parents.
Make it a point to show your child that you are very much appreciative when she displays trustworthiness.
Develop this trait in her by highlighting and further encouraging her ability to follow through with her duties and responsibilities.
Allow Opportunities for Your Child
Although it may sound a bit daunting for you as a parent, you will need to place your child in situations where she can hone her trustworthiness.
This might come with certain risks, but in the long run, the stakes are lowered, especially when you can see that your child is learning.
One way of doing this is by setting some rules. For instance, if your child is going to hang out with her friends in your own home, you can give her some guidelines of what they can and cannot do. By doing so, you are giving her the opportunity to exercise her integrity and honesty.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Teaching Trustworthiness
Nurture your child’s trustworthiness further by implementing the following:
DO:
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Give Responsibilities that have Consequences
This is one of the best ways you could expose your child to the value of trustworthiness.
As you assign her simple tasks or chores such as walking the dog, making her bed, and so on, she will learn to stick to her responsibilities and carry them out all on her own.
In order to ingrain discipline in your child, enforce consequences when she fails to do her assigned tasks. This will require a lot of patience from you. But in the end, your child’s inner resilience will become sharpened and mastered.
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Explain the Importance of Trustworthiness
Be sure to make it clear to your child why trustworthiness, as well as responsibility, is significant for her to learn.
Explain how honesty and trust go hand-in-hand, and why keeping her promises is the right thing to do.
DON’T:
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Give Unearned Trust
If your child continues to repeatedly disobey you even after giving her word, it would be a huge mistake to still grant her the trust that she does not deserve.
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Have Unrealistic Expectations
Teaching responsibility in a child is something that can take several years.
With that being said, ensure that you do not overburden her with expectations and responsibilities that will ultimately leave her feeling disappointed with herself.
Key Takeaway
Whether your child is studying in a private school or international school in Manila, it is vital that you make her understand the importance of honesty and trust. After all, these are the significant steps she must take in order to learn other values, such as independence and self-reliance.
