What is the main virtue you want to instill in your children?

Answer 1

self esteem and happiness, everything else will follow if you have these :-)

Answer 2

Unfortunately I don't have children, but if I did the main virtue I would like to instill in them would be honesty, and respect for others. To me, they are 2 sides of the same coin.
I respect parents in today's world, they have a hard job to raise decent human beings while the media and society are messing up their heads.

Answer 3

I can't pick one but the main virtues I hope I will instill in my children is.
Honesty, Respect (Politeness goes along with this), Kindness, Patience, Empathy, Consideration for others, Morals, Tolerance, Love, Honor, the ability to follow their dreams no matter what anybody else says or does, to follow their heart but use their brains, be true to themselves, understanding, wisdom, to listen first and to think before they speak, intergrity and many many more things but those are just a few.

Answer 4

Scepticism! A child is just a small person and all people should be able to think for themselves. One should not foist ones own misconceptions onto children - give them the inquisitive mental tools one would need and let them know that not only are there no stupid questions, but there will always be questions to ask AND answer, the answers for which should not necessarily be handed to them ready made. A perfect example is religion. How many 30 year old athiests suddenly convert to Catholicism? Some, but as a percentage? And what percentage of Catholic parents have Catholic children? Give children, give people the right to make their own decisions based on their own reasoning.

Answer 5

It is the virtue children have to see in you when they look at you as you are trying to instill it in them.
With young children that virtue is patience.
After that virtue has been taught you can start on the rest.
If you don't go for that first the rest of the virtues will be a hard road.

Answer 6

There are some good answers here already. I think that honesty, respect (for yourself and others) and manners are the three main virtues which I would instill.

Answer 7

I'm glad to see that so many people are saying respect, however, if so many people feel this way, why is it not the case?

I completely agree with respect but believe that it begins at home. Children can only learn to respect others if they respect their own parents. Many people blame the present government for not allowing them to punish by smacking but surely just a few words from a respected parent do the same thing? I know they did for me.

Sorry folks, lecture over!

Answer 8

Respect

Answer 9

How nice to read all the other answers before mine,my kids have grown up now and those are all the virtues I taught them.

They are all really nice people with good jobs(4 of them),and are bringing their children up with the same values.

When I look around me lately it seemed to me it had all dissapeared,obviosly not and thats fantastic.

Answer 10

There is no single virtue i want to instill, but a few basics, honesty, tolerance and respect too name a few.

Answer 11

The difference between right and wrong!

Right and wrong encompasses so much, and if they can master that, then I've done my job! Right is treating people with respect and fairness. Right is treating others the way you want to be treated! Right is working for the things that you want, and earning it, rather than taking it! Right is standing up for what you believe in and not backing down because someone tells you to! Right is doing your fair share of the work load! Right is ......

If a person knows the difference, and chooses to do the right thing, then they have made the best choice ever! I will teach my children the values that my parents taught me! I will teach them good character & ethics, and then it will be up to them to decide how they need to act. But, I hope and pray that I will have taught them well enough that there is no question as to which action they will take!