The hero principle

The hero principle groups three fundamental pillars to build a positive relationship with our children: honesty, empathy and responsibility.

These principles are not just words; they are values that can influence the integral development of children, forming a reflection of the experiences lived at home. However, parenting can be complicated if we are not clear about the impact we want to generate in our children's personality.

Frequently, parents try to instill behaviors that they have not experienced in their own lives or that they do not know well. For this reason, the most effective teaching is through example. Throughout this guide, we will discuss these three principles so that you can apply them effectively in your children's education.

Honesty

The first pillar of the hero principle is honesty. This principle should not only be viewed as an ethical standard, but also as an essential strategy for achieving our goals.

It is crucial that children understand the long-term value of being honest. Lying, although it may sometimes seem like a solution, often leads to unintended consequences over time.

Teaching honesty requires more than just explaining it. If we want our children to be honest in their relationships, we must also act with transparency. Children tend to imitate their parents' behavior; if they detect deception in our actions, they are likely to adopt the same behavior.

For example, if you want your child to finish his or her meal, avoid empty promises or manipulation. Keep your word and speak truthfully, even if what you say is not what they want to hear.

Empathy

The second pillar is empathy. This social skill is crucial and can have a profound impact on children's emotional development. Being empathetic from infancy helps them better understand others and themselves.

To instill this principle, explain its importance to your child and practice empathy in your relationship with them. When making decisions, be sure to consider how your child feels and how he or she might be affected. When making a decision, you might say, "Before I decided this, I thought about how you would feel and what would be best for you."

Responsibility

Finally, the third pillar is responsibility. This principle should be taught to children from its two dimensions: responsibility for action and acceptance of the consequences of those actions.

Acting responsibly implies preparing to avoid undesired results and recognizing that every action has repercussions. It is not beneficial for children to grow up with the idea that they will not face consequences for their actions. It is essential that they understand that their decisions affect not only themselves, but also those around them.

In summary, fostering these three principles-honesty, empathy and responsibility-is fundamental to the formation of children who will grow up to be upstanding and conscientious adults.