I probably won’t ever have kids, but if I did I hope I could instill these principles/values somehow (how I could instill them is something I'm far less sure of):
- You are not the center of the universe, nor do you live in a vacuum. Other people are just as real as you, so treat them like they matter. Be aware that your actions (or inaction) inevitably have consequences for others as well as yourself, while keeping the Golden Rule in mind.
- Be aware of and prepared for the world to be unfair and for some people to be selfish and unkind, but don’t give in to it by either becoming that way yourself or by being a pushover.
- Be responsible. Unless you have a very good reason not to, follow through on something once you have given your word. Also, take into account what the long-term consequences of an action are likely to be, both for yourself and others. It's okay to be spontaneous and impulsive at times, but also know when things should be taken seriously and don't get in the habit of choosing short-term satisfaction at the expense of your long-term development.
- Universal love. I hear so much about teaching self-esteem and self-love to children and far less about teaching them to be loving in general. Instead of overemphasizing feelings for the self, I think it's a better approach to encourage them to recognize a sacred, shared humanity in all people, including the self, and to therefore have a general concern and compassion for all. Basically, "love your neighbor as yourself" is a better message than simply "love yourself". (I think a lot of parents these days try to instill self-esteem by overpraising their kids/telling them they're special, but this just causes them to develop an unhealthy need for recognition as superior that undermines real self-esteem, which isn't reliant on feeling superior to others.)
Individuality and interconnectedness, and how they are complementary, not contradictory.
- Individuality (independent thinking, guiding your own development based on your own unique strengths and desires instead of trying to mold yourself after someone else, being in touch with yourself/self-aware.) NOT putting your own needs over others' or seeing yourself as more valuable and unique than others, because that's just narcissism and selfishness, not individuality.
- Interconnectedness: I hope I could teach them the importance of connection with others, being able to relate and empathize, even to see themselves as a small part of a greater whole and to want to use one’s individual strengths to enrich life for others who are part of the greater whole.
...Among others, but these were the ones that came to mind first.
As far as what I think kids should learn at school:
- One course in macroeconomics and at least one in civics and government should be required in high school, simply because basic knowledge of these subjects is needed to be a decently informed participant in a democracy.
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