Top 10 things to pass on to our children

Your list may be different to this one - but see how many you identify with:

1] A loving, consistent family life: Kids need to feel safe, with basic needs met: shelter, food, clothing, medical care and protection from harm. Stability comes from family and community. Positive role models in/outside the family help them feel strong and supported.

2] Courage - Standing up for what you believe in, and bouncing back when you fall down is courage. Make your children strong individuals who rely on their inner strengths. They will always look up to you for inspiration when they face a setback in life, and will remember how you held yourself together and faced tough situations.

3] Kindness - We want them to be caring people, knowing that the quality of relationships greatly impact the quality of life. Relationships are more valuable than ‘being right’. Instilling this in them helps develop empathy and compassion and maintain healthier relationships.

4] Choices can make a huge difference. If they choose to be aware of the life around them, they are more likely to stay safe, and to protect others and the environment in which they live. If they adopt a healthy lifestyle, they will better manage the stress of life.

5] Keep learning new things. I am always amazed at some of the questions that are asked by our grandchildren. They are curious about life. They want to understand. Then they can make wise decisions about how they live, and what’s important to them.

6] You don’t always get what you want: ‘You get what you get, and you don’t get upset’.

Kids need to learn how to feel disappointed, and experiencing this under a parent’s care can only help in the long run. Disappointment on any level is a healthy and positive emotion that helps mould and shape a child’s emotional, intellectual and social development.

7] Honesty is the best policy: Integrity is about doing the right thing even when no one’s watching. "People with good intentions make promises, but people with good character keep them." Children do what they see. The integrity lesson starts with parents doing what they say.

8] Run your own race: Our children have their own race to run. Never mind how everyone else is doing. Why does this matter? We don’t want them to always compare themselves with others. There will always be kids who are smarter, who will have more toys, etc. This helps them become more grateful what they have.

9] Respect boundaries - Respecting personal space and independence is important. Teach kids that it is okay to say no, when you don't want to do something, agree to disagree, and have an opinion different from others. We must treat kids with respect, not forcing personal opinions on them, and humbly accepting when they disagree with you.

10] The Golden Rule/The Bigger Picture: Do unto others what you want others to do unto you. It really has stood the test of time because it fulfills a basic human need – respect. I love it because I believe that it brings out the best in us. We’re meant to live together harmoniously in society, and observing the Golden Rule is what helps us do that.

You are important, but you are also part of something bigger than you. The reality is, after 18 years or so, we’ll let our kids loose in the world and hope that they become productive members of society. Which is why it’s important to teach them these two things:

First, they matter. They have intrinsic value and no one can take that away from them. And second, they belong to something bigger than themselves – a community, a society, a larger world. So, they need to be of value there, too. They need to understand how their actions have a ripple effect. It’s all about balancing their sense of self-importance with a sense of responsibility. They can be kind, confident, and full of compassion – a real blessing for others.

For me, this is also where the faith factor is important. In a world where hope is lacking, faith can give us the hope we need when times are tough. When life is tough, the faith that someone greater cares can be a strong support.

Of course, the best legacy that you can leave for your children is …. YOU … make lots of positive memories with them. You are the most valuable resource in their backpack.

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Toast Tuesday: Our free Toast Tuesday program runs from 8.30 until start of school.

Our second-hand uniform stock is also available for gold coin donations.

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Ben’s Place Pantry in the Basin: 366 Forest Road, The Basin

Founder and President, Liz Bullen, established the pantry several years ago. A focus for our group is supporting those with mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis. These needs differ for each individual and can be complex, but we know how important food security is to people already struggling in other facets of their lives. Since its inception, the “Ben’s Place” pantry has grown to become a lifeline for countless individuals and families facing financial hardships, providing them with access to nutritious food and essential supplies. Over 400 households visit the pantry each week.

Contact: Feel free to email me, phone me or see me at school on my days listed below.

Fun Facts for Kids:

A bolt of lightning is 5 times hotter than the sun.

Porcupines can float.

Gorillas burp when they’re happy.

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Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday, Friday]

[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au] Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing.

Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.

Kids Unlimited