A civilization rests on the strength of its family values. Values instilled in children early on yield rich dividends and forge an environment of solid, permanent relationships to last a life-time.  Cultivating family values is critical in building a child's personality. Children thrive when parents create the right environment and right combination of simple basics.  

Kids, who have no moral compass other than enlightened self-interest, are exposed to numerous anxiety-causing experiences. They increasingly turn to the mass media for information and entertainment which often prove to be not only misguiding, but alarmingly dangerous. So what can parents do? Let us take a look here at some of the basics:  

Home environment
Home is the most important place where children learn to abide by the rules; limit demands and wishes; and differentiate right from wrong. In a loving and caring home environment, children quickly learn the skills of socializing and getting along amicably with others. By incorporating basic core values in children’s daily lives, parents can ward off the pernicious evils which our children face today.  

Setting example
Parents by their own example can cultivate and incorporate values in the sanctity of their homes. As children imbibe these values, they quickly learn to regard themselves as persons of worth and capabilities, preserving and valuing good health and initiating friendship with persons who have imbibed similar basic values. Thus a set of guiding principles evolve into an impressive family life-style based on sound morals.

Moral guidance
As parents we need to provide moral guidance to children and instill in them traditional values like honesty and integrity. We need to empower our children with basic strengths; strengths that will enable them to cope with the numerous fears, apprehensions and problems they may encounter later as young adults in their daily lives.  

Avoid making excuses
It is crucial that as parents, we avoid making excuses and blaming schools or peer pressure for our child’s behavior. It is time for parents to take full responsibility and tackle the problem. This will enable their children to develop as persons of strength and character. 'Honor Codes’ are simply not enough. Children need specific codes of conduct in their daily lives. Children need to understand that excuses are not acceptable. They need to be checked or reprimanded for cheating, or else they may well grow up to cheat at work and in their marital lives.  

In closing, parents let us not forget the importance of family values. Let us inculcate in our children that there is nothing more nourishing to one's soul, than one's family. Family is the root of all that is good in our lives and the values instilled, will form the backbone of our children's successes in their adult years. Family, is where the diverse chapters of our children's lives, unfold. Ups and downs, crisis and jubilation, tears and laughter, success and failure, all go into the making of family history. The memories thus created, tie up together to be forever etched into the lives and personalities of our children.

Let us not forget: A legacy is not just something we leave behind, but it is something we parents build each day while we live.