In my Podcast, Pineapple, Orange, Banana, I discuss the topic of Values. Exploring values with kids can be fascinating because kids often cut through the B.S. of adult thinking and get straight to the point. Their insight and honesty can help us identify with our inner child and explore the things we truly believe in and value.
I encourage you to read through this with your kids, or give my podcast episode on Values a listen. The questions are to help move into deeper conversation, and hopefully you can create a set of Values with your kids.
Growing up is a lot of fun, and a lot of work. I was once a kid, and I dreamed about growing up into an adult and having a really awesome life, where I made all the rules! While I grew up I learned that having a strong set of values is so important. Values are things we believe about the world and about who we are. Values might sound like, I believe all people deserve to be loved and respected. I believe I deserve to be loved. I believe animals and nature should be cared for.
What are some things you believe about the world and about yourself?
Not everyone’s values and beliefs are the same. Sometimes we will disagree with people. I have one important rule about disagreeing… We can think and feel different, as long as it doesn’t hurt ourselves, someone else, or our environment. Sometimes people try to use their beliefs to hurt other people, animals, or things. When we know and talk about what our beliefs are, it is a lot easier to stand up for ourselves and what we believe in.
Have you ever had to stand up for yourself or someone else?
Two great ways to protect our values is to share what is important to us with others. This can be fun and exciting, and we can do this in creative ways. If one of our values is to help others feel safe, we can share this value by listening to people and accepting them for who they are. The other way to protect our values is to ask ourselves, “Is what I’m about to do or say matching what I believe in”? This might be hard if we’re facing tough decisions, like if we should take something that doesn’t belong to us, even if we really want it, or if we’re being pressured by someone we know to do something.
What is something you can do or say that will help you protect your values?
A Free Worksheet to Help You Explore Values
Annalyse A. Lucero 