Teaching our kids the value words

I call them value phrases and words. Words and phrases such as ‘sorry,’ ‘thank you,’ ‘please,’ ‘excuse me’ are important and give value. These should be staple words for our kids, just as a toast is for breakfast. A lot of kids eat pop tarts for breakfast rather than have a bowl of oats or a bowl of bran flakes. Our kids have gotten used to getting by with something that has zero value. And so such phrases are getting rare in our present age. That should not be the case in our homes. I was discussing the power of these words with our daughter. I told her these words have value. They have the power to change us. When we do something wrong to someone, or have received a favor or help – we have to have the inbuilt ability to say those value words. When we know how to say them, they actually reflect our refined character. We reflect our heart. We also are able to pass those values to those who we say them to. We put ourselves in others’ shoes; and treat them like we would want them to treat us. These value words speak of kindness, tenderness, warmth, caring etc These attributes are what would make the world get better, heal, strengthen and birth change.

What is the power in saying ‘sorry’? Firstly sorry is a word that comes out of a sorry heart. Sorry is a felt word; it is not meant to be simply spoken. If you cannot say it and feel it, then don’t say it. Secondly, sorry is a word that should erase. It should delete the hurt, pain, error. It should be like a wipe-out. How far this impact goes depends on the person receiving the sorry. Thank you is a heart word also. Thankfulness is a heart thing. It speaks of gratitude and honor. Do you have gratitude and honor? Do you honor those who have blessed you; do you honor those who make an impact on your life?

Are you passing something on? Do you have a legacy? We should be passing these value words and actions on everyday. Are we doing this? Are our children learning those value words from our ways and deeds? Are we able to say thank you to someone who opens the door for us as we step into a store? Are we able to say thank you to the barista who serves us coffee at Starbucks without thinking that they were simply doing their jobs? Are we able to appreciate our server at a restaurant? These are value actions that come out of a value lifestyle. These are values that can go from generation to generation and make our children that much better.

Do you want to see a better America? Do you want to see a better neighborhood? Do you want children that have value and who value? Talk to them about those value phrases; maybe you have more, or maybe you have made up some that are special to you – talk to them about what really is valuable; and what is not!

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Linda Faith

Linda faith is the Editor in Chief of Jewels Magazine. She co-pastors along with her husband Revival Worship Church, Tampa. She is a prolific writer and powerful speaker, inspiring many women to be all God has called them to be. She is the founder of Joy Women’s conference which reaches out to empower, inspire and motivate women in their faith walk.