The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island


38 Old Country Rd
Garden City,
NY 11530

(516) 741-7304

40 Things You Can Do To Raise a Moral Child.

by Arthur Dobrin

FEELINGS - Emotions Are the Groundwork of Morality
  • Tune into your child's feelings.
  • Comment on your own emotions.
  • Talk about how you think others may be feeling.
  • Read stories that are fanciful.
  • Sing to your children.
REASON - Feelings Need to Be Guided by Reason.
  • Give reasons why you approve or disapprove of your child's behavior.
  • Provide reasons for rules you want your child to follow.
  • Encourage your child to play with children of various ages.
  • Engage your children in reflective discussions by asking open-ended questions.
  • Promote independent thinking.
SELF-ESTEEM - self-respect Is a Prerequisite to Acting Morally.
  • Treat your child with respect.
  • Express interest in your child's activities, projects and dreams.
  • Help set goals and encourage your children to see them through.
  • Praise a task well done.
  • Give your child emotional and verbal support to stand against the crowd when necessary.
DISCIPLINE - Behavior Has Consequences.
  • Be flexible - not arbitrary - in your discipline.
  • Don't use intimidation; never use ridicule.
  • Severity of punishment should be related to the severity of the wrongdoing.
  • Discipline with explanations.
  • Criticize in private.
PREJUDICE - Treating All People Fairly Is Fundamental to Morality.
  • Examine your own biases.
  • Provide examples that counteract society's prejudices.
  • Don't allow biased or bigoted comments to go unchallenged.
  • Give your child books that show different kinds of people playing, working and living together.
  • Talk about differences between people, but speak about them neutrally.
VALUES - Some Values Are More Important Than Others.
  • Tell your children about the people you admire and why.
  • Live your life, as you want your child to lead hers.
  • Show the importance of protecting the vulnerable.
  • Comment on compassionate behavior - let your child know that caring is an important value.
  • Let your children know what you value and why you value it.
HABITS - Morality Is Learned Through Observing and Doing.
  • Provide opportunities for your child to help others.
  • Give positive verbal and non-verbal feedback for being a good person.
  • Work with your child in community and volunteer service.
  • Expect and encourage good deeds from your children.
  • Help your children to keep promises.
COMMUNITY - Morality Involves Other People.
  • Talk about the TV shows, music and movies your child sees.
  • Get involved in your child's education.
  • Make family meals an important and regular occasion.
  • Encourage activities that involve your child with others.
  • Take an interest in the world outside your home.

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