If there is one thing we have learned over the past few months, we have come to see the importance of raising our children to make the world a better place through their actions and reactions to what is going on around them. As their first teacher, there are many virtues parents look to model for their little ones. According to a new Parents survey, Kindness is the most important value parents want to instill in their children, topping intelligence and strong work ethic. 

kids

Parents today announced the results of its first-ever Parents Values Study which reveals that although parents believe raising kind children is the most important value they can instill, they  also believe that kids today are less kind than past generations. The study, which uncovers insights about American  parents’ biggest parenting challenges, concerns and priorities, as well as their views about their own parenting skills and parenting in the pandemic, is highlighted in Parents‘ second annual special November Kindness Issue and on parents.com/kindness.

Moms were asked to select the top three qualities they most hope to instill their children. The top selections are:

  1. Kindness (73%)
  2. Love of family (68%)
  3. Intelligence (51%)
  4. Strong work ethic (51%)
  5. Individuality (31%)

Julia Edelstein, Editor in Chief of Parents said, “As a mother, I care more about instilling kindness in my kids than any other trait, and it turns out that the vast majority of parents are on the exact same page. One of the many things that the pandemic has taught us is that kindness is a life-giving force, and we need more of it. With that said, one of the most disappointing findings from this study is that although our priorities are aligned when it comes to raising kind kids, most moms don’t see kindness reflected in kids’ behavior today. We have a lot of work to do, but we will get there. Parents‘ November issue—our second annual kindness issue–is a roadmap to prioritizing kindness in your family, and raising truly kind people.” 

To help parents in their effort to raise kind, compassionate people, the Parents special November Kindness issue has a collection of articles offering feel-good stories, profiles of inspiring families who stepped up in big ways and small during the pandemic, expert insights and creative ways that parents can take action.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

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