Forum: Children learn moral values through observing behaviour of adults
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I appreciate Mr Loh Tick Boon’s thoughtful contribution on the importance of moral values in education ( Parents and schools have different roles to play in teaching children values
I agree with Mr Loh on the crucial role of moral values in education and the shared responsibility between schools and parents in shaping a child’s character. While pre-schools cultivate crucial skills like critical thinking and creativity, the foundational values of respect, responsibility and resilience are best nurtured within the family.
Shaping a child’s behaviour and values is a nuanced and ongoing process. Children are natural observers and imitators, constantly learning from the people around them.
As kindness is often “caught, not taught”, parents and educators have an important role given the time spent with each child. Pre-school educators may have the most consistent presence in the student’s waking time, and it is important that moral values are reinforced in the school.
This is where hand-in-hand partnerships are important, where parents support the schools through open communication, respect, trust and appreciation.
Parents, as the most consistent presence in a child’s life, have an unparalleled opportunity to influence their children’s development through their actions. Children learn by observing their parents’ actions, and positive reinforcement helps instil moral values. When parents model compassion and empathy, they create a nurturing environment encouraging similar behaviours in their children.
The Singapore Kindness Movement recognises the importance of instilling positive values at a young age. Our educational programmes are designed to complement parental efforts and school curricula. Singa and the Kindness Cubbies resources teach pre-schoolers about empathy, sharing and inclusivity through engaging storylines and relatable characters. The Friends of Singa programme encourages primary school pupils to initiate kindness projects in their schools and communities, fostering a sense of social responsibility.
Cultivating moral values is not just about teaching but also about living these principles every day. Through our collective efforts as parents, educators and the community, we can nurture a generation of kind, compassionate and socially responsible individuals who can and will shape Singapore’s future together.
Michelle Tay
Executive Director
Singapore Kindness Movement
