Parents today are worried about the values their children are exposed to in society. The schools share this concern. But schools recognize that a person's primary values must continue to come from home. Here are some ways to pass on your family's values to your children.

• Talk about your values. If you choose to visit a relative or spend time with your child, rather than work overtime, say, "I believe people are more important than things." If you give money to support a cause you believe in, tell your child why you're doing it.
• Encourage your children to talk about their values, too. Whenever possible, try to support your children's values by taking positive action. For instance, many children are as concerned, if not more concerned, about protecting the environment than adults. If this is the case, you could work with your son or daughter to promote recycling in your family.
• Think about the message you send with your actions. It's hard to talk about honesty if you brag about cheating on your taxes. It's hard to teach the value of human kindness and fairness if you condemn other races or peoples.
• Teach your children how to make decisions. Ask them to think about what might happen if they choose one course of action over another. Let them make their own decisions and discover their own consequences.
• Let your children know you are always there to listen. If your son or daughter starts discussing a problem, make an effort to listen more than you talk.

PLAYING FAIR, a series of 4 videos designed to start discussion about racism, respect and equality. User's notes, suggestions, discussion questions, follow-up activities and resource list. For children 7 to 12. National Film Board of Canada.

(Taken from the "Parent Resource Binder: The Essential Link", published by the Newfoundland and Labrador Home and School Federation, p. 33).

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