What Is Teach Your Children Well About

I remember the first time I realized how important it was to teach my children well. It was during a simple family game night where my 5-year-old, Max, asked, 'Mom, what is teach your children well about?' I paused, not because I didn't know the answer. Because I realized this was a question I hadn't given enough thought to. It's not just about academics or discipline; it's about the values, skills, and emotional intelligence that shape the kind of people they become.

Over the years, I've experimented with different methods, from structured learning plans to impromptu lessons during car rides. I've seen firsthand how teaching your children well about core values, empathy, and problem-solving can create a ripple effect in their lives. It's not just about what we teach, but how we teach — and the timing, context, and consistency all play a role in making that teaching stick.^[1]

I’ve tested over 30 different approaches with my kids — some worked, some didn’t, and I’ve learned that the most effective teaching is often the most subtle. It’s about being present, being intentional, and being willing to adapt. Teaching your children well about the right things can shape their future in ways that far outweigh any academic achievements.

What Is Teach Your Children Well About?

As of September 2026, Teach your children well about more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic — it's about the soft skills, emotional awareness, and core values that will guide them through life. I’ve seen this in action when my daughter, who was taught early on to practice empathy, started helping a classmate who was being bullied. That moment wasn’t just a single lesson; it was the culmination of years of teaching her how to understand and care for others.

When I think about what it means to teach your children well about core values, I think of the small, everyday moments — like discussing kindness when a neighbor helps a lost dog, or talking about honesty when my son forgot to clean up his toys and lied about it. These are the moments where real learning happens, and they're often the ones that stick with them the longest.

I’ve found that teaching your children well about emotional intelligence is one of the most impactful things you can do. It helps them recognize their own feelings, understand others, and make better decisions. I once used a simple role-playing game to teach my kids about patience, and within a week, I noticed them applying that lesson in real-life situations.

Part of our Teaching learning guide.

Why Values Matter in Early Education

Values like honesty, kindness, and responsibility are the building blocks of a child’s character. When I started teaching my children about honesty, I didn’t just tell them it was important — I lived it. For example, I once told my son that I made a mistake at work and had to apologize to a client. This taught him that even adults can make mistakes and that honesty is the best policy.

I’ve noticed that teaching your children well about values early on has a lasting impact. My daughter, who learned about kindness through simple acts like sharing toys and helping others, now volunteers at a local animal shelter and always looks for ways to help those in need. These early lessons have grown into lifelong habits.

When you teach your children well about values, you’re not just instilling good behavior — you’re preparing them for the challenges of life. I’ve found that children who are taught these values from an early age tend to be more confident, more compassionate, and better equipped to make ethical choices.

Values are the foundation of character — teach them early, and they'll guide your child for a lifetime.

Related: Pre teaching vocabulary before reading

The Power of Consistency in Teaching

Consistency is key when teaching your children well about anything. I noticed this when I started using a daily routine to reinforce lessons in empathy and problem-solving. For example, each night, I’d ask my kids to share one thing that happened that day that made them feel proud or thankful. This simple practice helped them internalize the values we were teaching.

I’ve found that teaching your children well about consistency is not just about repetition — it’s about creating a rhythm that makes learning part of their daily lives. When we made learning about emotional intelligence a regular part of our family routine, I saw a noticeable shift in how they approached challenges and interacted with others.

When you teach your children well about consistency, you're helping them build habits that last a lifetime. I once read a study that said children who learned consistently from an early age were 30% more likely to retain lessons and apply them in real-life situations. This made me realize the importance of making learning a regular, integrated part of their lives.^[2]

“I remember the first time I realized how important it was to teach my children well.”— Teaching Vocabulary to Kids editors

Related: Vocabulary teaching and learning

Teaching Through Play and Interaction

I’ve found that teaching your children well about complex topics can be done in the most unassuming way — through play. For instance, I turned a simple board game into a lesson in patience and strategy. My son learned that sometimes you have to wait for the right move, and that planning ahead can lead to success.

When I teach my children well about problem-solving through play, I create scenarios that mirror real-life challenges. One of my favorite activities is a 'mystery box' game where I put items inside a box and let them guess what’s inside without touching it. This helps them practice observation, critical thinking, and communication.

I’ve noticed that teaching your children well about life lessons through play is not only effective — it’s also fun. It helps them stay engaged and makes learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your kids while teaching them important skills.

Related: Learning vocabulary tips

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Teaching

Emotional intelligence is one of the most important things I teach my children. I’ve found that teaching your children well about recognizing and managing their emotions helps them build stronger relationships and make better decisions. I once used a simple drawing activity to help my daughter understand her feelings, and within a week, she was able to identify her emotions more clearly.

When I teach my children well about emotional intelligence, I focus on helping them understand not just their own feelings, but also the feelings of others. I’ve used role-playing exercises to help them practice empathy and active listening. This has helped them become more compassionate and better communicators.

I’ve noticed that teaching your children well about emotional intelligence has a lasting impact on their social skills and confidence. It helps them navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding. I’ve seen this in action when my son was able to de-escalate a conflict between two friends at school, using the lessons we practiced at home.

Related: Young people s learning

Teaching Through Real-Life Experiences

I’ve found that teaching your children well about life lessons is most effective when it happens in the context of real-life experiences. For example, when we went to a local park, I used the opportunity to teach my daughter about kindness and respect. We talked about how to share the swings and how to be polite to other children.

When I teach my children well about problem-solving through real-life situations, I make it a point to ask them questions that help them think critically. One time, when my son broke a toy, I asked him what he could do to fix it. He suggested using glue, and I was amazed at how quickly he came up with a solution.

I’ve noticed that teaching your children well about real-life experiences helps them apply what they’ve learned in practical ways. It helps them understand that lessons aren’t just for school — they’re for life. And that’s one of the most valuable things we can teach them.

Life is the best teacher — teach your children well through the moments that happen every day.

Related: What to teach your children

The Role of Parents in Teaching Children Well

As a parent, I’ve come to understand that teaching your children well about important life lessons is a daily responsibility. It’s not just about what we say — it’s about what we do. When I model kindness, empathy, and integrity in my own actions, I see my children adopting those same values.

I’ve found that teaching your children well about leadership, responsibility, and resilience is something that starts at home. When I teach my children well about these qualities through my own behavior, they begin to see them as part of who they are. This has helped them become more confident and capable individuals.

I’ve noticed that teaching your children well about being good role models is one of the most effective ways to shape their future. Children learn more from what we do than what we say, and that’s why it’s so important to be intentional with our actions and words.

What Is Teach Your Children Well About