Values also include ethical standards. For example, a person with solid ethics is industrious, fair, and considerate of others​—traits that are best developed while a person is still young.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “Train a child in the way he should go; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.”​—Proverbs 22:6, footnote.

Ethical values are essential too. That includes extending simple courtesies (such as saying “please” and “thank you”) and showing concern for others​—a value that has become rare, as people seem more interested in devices than they are in people.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.”​—Luke 6:31.

Teach ethical values. Even younger children can learn to say “please” and “thank you” and to show regard for others. “The more children see that they are part of something larger than themselves​—a family, a school, a community—​the more readily they perform acts of kindness that benefit everyone, not just themselves,” says the book Parenting Without Borders.

TIP: Assign chores to your children to help them learn the value of serving others.

“If our children get used to doing chores now, they won’t be shocked when they live on their own. Taking care of responsibilities will already be a part of their life.”​—Tara.