“Just knowing you don’t have the answers is a recipe for humility, openness, acceptance, forgiveness, and an eagerness to learn – and those are all good things.” – Dick Van Dyke
Many people experience overconfidence about their own opinion or believe that their way is the only way, this can be defined as a lack of humility. Humility gives a person a better perspective on “the truth” of the matter lending the person to a modest view of one’s importance.
There are a few ways to teach humility, or rather, the ability to be humble. We can model the behavior for children, encourage them to our best ability, build up their self-assurance, explain beliefs and values such as serving the community, teach them how to apologize and give thanks properly, and show them real self-value and worth.
A proper, well-timed and sincere apology is a key component of humility. This is a very important building block in teaching how to be humble to our kids. As human beings, our children are sometimes wrong. Sometimes they will overreach, overstep, or cross boundaries they weren’t aware of yet. Every person needs to know how to express a sincere apology in these circumstances.
Another way to include humility in your child’s life is to provide humble role models and to model the behavior yourself. Never underestimate the power of teaching by example. Humility must be consistently modeled as a way of life, rather than an on-again, off-again teaching moment. Children should be taught to serve those less fortunate, the homeless, their family, the community, and one another.
Role models should be those who serve and encourage their friends and loved ones to serve their time and due diligence to others.
Secondly, it is important to encourage your child throughout the learning process. Humility works best when your child has felt like they have achieved something. Help them achieve with confidence. It is important to understand that humility comes from self-assurance and faith in oneself.
Finally, children must understand where their real value and worth comes from.
It is easier to forgo pride or arrogance when children understand that they are valued because they are your child. It is necessary to make sure your children know that achievements, looks, and abilities are not what give them worth.
At The Nest Schools, we believe that teaching children basic life skills and instilling the value of showing respect and kindness to everyone is one of the most important jobs we have. Through our Art of Living Program, children are engaged in age-appropriate activities that build their confidence as individuals and community members. This program includes teaching valuable conversational skills, such as how to apologize and how to be grateful!