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The Most Important Things Kids Need To Know

Updated on September 16, 2012
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Important Things to Teach Your Kids

A parent, or caretaker, has one of the most important and most fulfilling roles in a child's life - their teacher. They are the ones who will pass on important life lessons, advice and knowledge that they will use throughout the rest of their lives.

But what things are the most important for kids to learn as they grow up? Everyone will have a different view of which is the most important lesson, but here we are going to outline the best ones that you should teach your child.

The Benefits of Hard Work

One of the most important things my parents taught me in life was that hard work pays off.

Sure, some kids may have natural ability when it comes to sports and others may have no trouble getting straight A's - but it's important to teach your kids the benefits of hard work. If you have a child that can do things easily, teach them something that they need to work hard on so that they can truly understand the benefits.

“I know you've heard it a thousand times before. But it's true - hard work pays off. If you want to be good, you have to practice, practice, practice. If you don't love something, then don't do it.”
- Ray Bradbury, Author

Don't Be Afraid to Take Risks

Parents and Caregivers are not usually ones to teach their kids risk as they are so focused on keeping the child safe and out of harms way, however, teaching children not to be afraid of taking risks is a vital lesson.

Kids that are scared to take risks can develop anxiety, not see possibilities and be afraid to step out of their safe zone. As harsh as it sounds, kids need to practice failing.

“The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.”
- Leo F Buscaglia

Choose Your Own Path

This is a lesson for older kids. Teach your kids to embrace their individual likes and dislikes and help them to find their passion throughout their lives. Encourage them to dream and show them how to make the steps to make those dreams come true.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
- Dr Seuss, Oh The Places You'll Go

Humility and Being Humble

If you want to raise a child who will be respectful, respected and a good citizen - this may just be one of the most important lessons.

Whilst we need to teach our children that they are important individuals who are very much love, we also need to make sure that they know they're not the center of the universe.

“Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able and yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.”
- William Penn, Author

Embrace Individuality

Let them know that it is incredible to be your own person and you don't have to do everything that Bobby Smith or Betty Jane does. Encourage your children to be themselves and help them to create their own sense of identity.

“Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter,
and those who matter don't mind.”
- Dr Seuss

What Was The Most Important Lesson YOU Learnt As a Child

These are only a small number of lessons which are vital for children to learn. What was the most important lesson you learned as a child - or have taught your own children?

Leave a comment - all answers will be added with a link to your profile!

What Other Hubbers Believe are the Most Important

Momkat says:
"As a parent I have tried to instill into my children the following:
Making a contribution ~ to family, the community, & the environment.
Self-reliance ~ being able to take care of yourself & figure things out.
Compassion ~ caring for & understanding others.
Respect ~ self-respect, respect for others & their property, respect for authority, & respect for nature.
Responsibility ~ taking care of what you have, who you care about, owning up to your mistakes, & doing your share.
Sharing & cooperation ~ giving, not just expecting to get or have it done for you.
Forgiveness ~ being able to accept that others aren't perfect & loving them through it."


TeachableMoments says:
"It took a long time to learn that no matter what happened in my life I was the only one who could get myself out of it. Things happen that you have no control over, but the things that you can control will ultimately get you past any obstacle. Never roll over and just let life walk all over you. Stand up and do something."

Tricia1000 says:
"The most important thing that I learned as a child is that a good education is the key to a better future. In order to get a good education you have to study hard and always put in that extra effort."

nightwork4 says:
"the most important thing i learned is that we are each responsible for how our lives go. we have to take the blame and be proud when we have reason. don't blame your crappy life on your upbringing or your abusive dad or on some creature like god or the devil."

jenbeach21 says:
"My mom instilled alot of really good lessons growing up but two seem to stick out. The first is that we are responsible for our actions. She taught us that every choice we make whether good or bad has an effect on our lives and we alone are responsible for what we do. The second is that life is not fair. I heard it over and over again and she was right. Kids always think that just because someone else has it they deserve it too but life is not like that."

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