Growing up with my mother’s entire family was not a fun experience, but this was my thought process from the time I was a child until I was sixteen years old. We were raised, along with my siblings and cousins, to follow my grandparents’ and parents’ laws. We were taught to always say “po” and “opo,” and to do “mano po” to all elders, whether we knew them or not. We’ll get a slap in the face if we’re caught cussing. We must complete our daily routine of doing house chores before playing with our friends outside, or we will be grounded for the next week. Our TV viewing time is also restricted at night, with a maximum of 8:00 p.m. However, after all of the schoolwork is completed, there is free screen time on weekends. I admit that this was very unpleasant experience for me as a kid, and I believe it was when I was younger. Now I know that my early experiences and the fundamental principles I was taught shaped who I am today. My grandparents, parents, and the elders in our community instilled in me good moral values.
According to Piaget’s Theory of Moral Development, following rules kept us out of trouble when we were between the ages of 5 and 9. As a result, whatever we do, we must follow the rules set forth by our parents and grandparents, and if we do not, we will be subjected to necessary discipline or punishment, as described by Piaget’s moral realism. When we get older, we know that our elders’ rules are sometimes violated by themselves, but they are not punished. We begin to understand that rules are merely guidelines, and that breaking them is justified as long as our intentions and motivations are for the greater good, which Piaget refers to as moral relativism. I believe that our childhood experiences, as well as the influence of our peers, culture, and society, have a significant impact on a person’s morality.
Here is a short video clip of the present situation in which children find themselves, as well as how we can instill positive values in our children at home.
References
Before you continue to YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved May 1, 2021, from Youtube.com website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nbci93soes&t=3s
Mcleod, S. (n.d.). Piaget’s theory of moral development. Retrieved May 1, 2021, from Simplypsychology.org website: https://www.simplypsychology.org/piaget-moral.html
Learning Together Now 