In the book, HOW TO RUIN YOUR CHILD IN 7 EASY STEPS. By Patrick M. Quinn and Ken Roach. One of these steps is PRIDE.
Prideful parents controls, manipulate, bully and lie to their children and in return they tend to earn rebellion, defiance detachment and deception.
Pride is sneaky. It doesn’t always show up as arrogance or boasting. It often disguises itself as justification. Instead of admitting we’re wrong, we wrap our actions in excuses and call it self-awareness. But let’s be real—sometimes, these are just fancy ways to avoid humility.
Ever caught yourself saying something like this?
"That’s just the way I am." (Translation: I don’t want to change.)
"That’s the way I was raised." (Translation: I refuse to grow beyond my past.)
"I’m doing the best I can." (Translation: Don't challenge me—I don’t want to improve.)
"I meant well." (Translation: My intentions matter more than the impact of my actions.)
"My intentions were good." (Translation: I shouldn’t have to take responsibility for what happened.)
"I was just having a bad day." (Translation: My feelings justify my actions.)
"People misunderstand me." (Translation: It’s their fault, not mine.)
Sound familiar? These little phrases may feel harmless, but they often keep us from seeing the truth—that pride is in us.
Let’s Get Practical: 4 Powerful Ways to Teach Children Humility
Humility isn’t something we simply tell children about—it’s something they learn by watching us. If you want to raise humble, grounded kids, they need to see humility in action. Here’s how you can model it for them in ways they won’t forget:
1. Own Your Mistakes and Apologize
Kids already know you're not perfect—trust me, they see everything! What will truly surprise them is your willingness to admit when you're wrong. Saying, "I'm sorry, I made a mistake," They’ll learn that humility isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom and strength.
2. Make Worship a Lifestyle
Worship is recognizing that there’s someone greater than us. When your children see you genuinely worshipping, they see humility in action. You're showing them that life isn’t all about you, and that acknowledging God’s presence keeps us grounded.
3. Be Accountable—Don’t Be the Untouchable ‘Boss’
Do you want your kids to grow up knowing they need guidance? Then let them see that you seek it too! Proverbs 9:8 reminds us, "Reprove a wise man, and he will love you." Having someone you respect who can correct you (and letting your kids know that!) teaches them that no one is too big to be advised/corrected—including you.
4. Serve Without Seeking Credit
There’s something powerful about serving others—especially when no one is watching. When your kids see you helping someone without expecting applause, they learn that greatness isn’t about being noticed, but about making a difference. And trust me, they are watching!
Final Thought:
Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. If you live it, your kids will learn it. Not from lectures, BUT FROM YOUR LIFE.
