Imperfect Genius

Jump to Comments

Thirteen Virtues I Want My Children To Have

This list is inspired by The Family Virtues Guide, which is part of an initiative called The Virtues Project. This project focuses on life-skills, character education, spiritual development, and personal growth through the practice of virtues. While values are culture-based and specific to certain regions, virtues are universal and valued by all cultures and faiths.

The virtues discussed in this book are “the silver thread running through all of humanity’s sacred literature as well as the oral traditions of the world’s indigenous peoples.” The book takes a spiritual approach to these virtues, but it does not promote the practices or beliefs of any particular religion. It is easily adaptable to almost any spiritual practice and parenting style.

1) Creativity is letting the light of originality within shine out for the benefit of others; using the power of imagination to see old things in new ways. Affirmation: I have special gifts and I am willing to discover them. I am happy to be myself.

2) Gentleness is a way of relating to others using kindness and consideration; being careful in the way you touch, think, and talk. Affirmation: I think, act, and speak with gentleness. I show care for people and all living things of the earth.

3) Honor is a path of integrity; it is living with a sense of respect and doing what is right regardless of what others are doing. Affirmation: I keep my agreements and treat others with respect. I care about doing the right thing.

4) Joyfulness comes from within, it is an appreciation for the gift of life; it is being filled with inner peace, love, and a sense of well-being. Affirmation: I am thankful for the joy I feel inside. I appreciate the gifts this day holds for me.

5) Justice is practicing fairness; standing up for yourself and others; acting without prejudice by seeing each person as a worthy individual. Affirmation: I investigate the truth for myself and form my own opinions. I stand up for the rights of others and myself.

6) Moderation is practicing self-discipline to create balance in your life; using wisdom to take care of ourselves; knowing our own limits and setting boundaries. Affirmation: I am thankful and content to get what I need. I don’t overdo or underdo but find what’s just right for me.

7) Peacefulness is an inner sense of calm and gratitude; it’s a way of looking at things so you can understand them; it comes from an awareness that all human beings are part of one family. Affirmation: I give up the love of power for the power of love. I find my inner peace and let it carry me gently through the day.

Reverence is behaving with an awareness that all life is precious; it is being careful to honor the gifts of life; it is allowing the wonder and joy you feel to shine through. Affirmation: I take time today to reflect and listen to my heart. I act with respect toward all beings.

9) Service means looking for ways to be of help; recognizing that the needs of others are as important as your own; it is wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. Affirmation: I look for opportunities to be of service. I am thoughtful of others. I make a difference in the world.

10) Thankfulness is an attitude of gratitude for learning, loving, and being; it is welcoming all of life as a gift and having a positive perspective even through tough times. Affirmation: I celebrate each moment by opening myself to beauty and learning. I am thankful for the many gifts within me and around me today.

11) Tolerance is being flexible and accepting differences; showing patience and forgiveness when people make mistakes; accepting what you cannot change with good grace. Affirmation: I am free of prejudice and open to differences. I will accept the things I cannot change.

12) Trust is believing that there is some good in all that happens; letting your fears come and then letting them go; having faith in your own ability to learn and grow. Affirmation: I have no need to control others. All fear and worry are released. I feel at peace and I know I am not alone.

13) Unity is allowing yourself to feel connected to everything and everyone; it brings harmony and peace by valuing what each part brings to the whole. Affirmation: I treat earth as a sacred home. I see the specialness in every person. I am connect to everything in the universe.

I’ve found that this book corresponds strongly to several philosophies I have about parenting: children are spiritual beings born with a longing for meaning, they are inherent learners, and parents are their first and most important teachers, as well as their guardians and stewards, who are bestowed with the responsibility to love and guide them.

While I write that these are virtues I want my children to have, they are actually beneficial for our entire family and I myself still have much to master and learn. There is no lack of room for growth and progress at our house!

These virtues resonant strongly with the way we live and our worldviews, as homeschoolers and Unitarian Universalists. You may find they harmonize with your lifestyle and beliefs as well, even though we may differ on many things politically and socially. It is for this reason that we have embraced virtues, not values, because they are universal and connect each of us, no matter what religion we practice or how we choose to raise our children.

* Get the TT Code * Tags: Thursday Thirteen | UUism | Weekly Memes