“Raising a caring, respectful, ethical child is, and always has been hard work. But it’s something all of us can do. And no work is more important or ultimately more rewarding.”

Technology is indeed affecting kids’ behaviour nowadays. There is a growing competition for children’s attention. Most teaching materials are available online – and some are even available for kids at an early age.

Despite the modernity, the standards of raising a moral child haven’t changed at all. It is the parents’ ultimate goal for their kids to achieve happiness and success, while not sacrificing their virtues. Some Harvard researchers believe that raising good kids takes some planning and employing parenting strategies.

SEE ALSO: 9 Ways to Help Children Develop a Love for Reading

Here are 6 tips to raise your kids into morally-upright and successful individuals, according to Harvard Psychologists:

1) Be vocal about important matters

Check in with your child’s teacher, coaches, and caretakers how they’re doing. Be sure to say it to them and that they know it’s something important to keep up with. Work with them and show them the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and being a nice person.

2) Guide them in decision making

Making sound decisions is something that even adults can’t seem to perfect, even more with kids. It’s important to walk them through decision-making. If they want to embark on a new sport or activity, guide them in identifying if it’s good for them. Explain the level of commitment expected of them and together, weigh in the pros and cons.

3) Gratitude and helpfulness must be a routine

According to studies, “People who engage in the habit of expressing gratitude are more likely to be helpful, compassionate, forgiving, happy, and healthy when they grow up.” Ask your kids to help their siblings and give thanks throughout the day.

Harvard psychologists also say that parents must only praise uncommon acts of kindness, and not reward every good behaviour.

SEE ALSO: 10 Reasons Why Children Don’t

4) Spend time with your kids

Hanging out with your kids, asking them questions about themselves, about the world, and how they perceive it and actually listening to their response – are good foundations for strong parenting. This will show them that you care for them and let you discover your child’s unique character.

Not only will you learn all sorts of things that make your child unique, you’ll also be demonstrating to them how to show care and concern for another person.

5) The bigger picture

Researchers claimed that “Almost all children empathize with and care about a small circle of families and friends.” The trick, however, is to make them care for people who are outside their circles (socially, geographically, and culturally). This starts the value of tolerance at an early age. Teach them how to be good listeners and encourage them to put themselves in other people’s shoes. Teach them how to practice empathy.

6) Destructive emotion

The ability to care for others is overshadowed by negative emotions such as shame, anger, and envy. Help your kids identify and name those negative feelings. Help them process these emotions and how to arrive at a solution. Set clear and reasonable boundaries that they’ll understand are out of love and concern for their safety.