Best Thing You Learned from Childhood and Teach Your Own Kids

As you watch your kids grow and play, it can be deja vu all over again. Remember when you were a kid? What lessons from that time have you passed on to your own kids? Several contributors from Yahoo! Contributor Network were asked about what they learned as a kid that they also use with their own children.

"I would hope I have taught our daughters to challenge themselves to do better each time they do a project. Never settle for "it's good enough," especially with the most important projects, but also know when an activity does not need to be near perfect to be good enough." - Sandra Petersen in Two Harbors, Minn.

"The most important lesson I learned from childhood which I passed on to my kids, was to practice our Christian faith on a daily basis, turning bad situations into good." - Cheri Majors in Covina, Calif.

"Always tell the truth, respect and love your family, and work hard. Doing this helps you be a rock for everyone else, and brings you closer." - Andrea Coventry in Rochester, NY

"To make every minute of your life count and cherish those you love. Life can change in the blink of an eye, you shouldn't ever take anything for granted, especially the simple things." - Karen Jurewicz in Palm City, FL

"Several times during my own childhood, the importance of honesty was driven home. Honesty with others and with one's self are, in my opinion, crucial to sound character development that leads to sound relationship choices and happiness." - Theresa Leschmann in Southern, IL

"My dad was not big on verbally passing on any life's truths. Rather, he taught by his daily example of hard-work and consistency. I took it a step further and have always expressed to my sons the importance of those intangibles." - Neil Heater in Wheatridge, Colo.

"That lying will continue until the truth is allowed to break it." - Jeff Rogers in Honolulu, HI

"Treat people the way you want to be treated even when you know those people will not reciprocate. My mom is a class act. I taught my daughter early on that in school you will be the "picker" or the "pickee" (bully or bullied). She was cute and popular and had no problems. Her best friend had learning problems and my daughter took a lot of the heat for her. As my mom taught me, it may hurt getting picked on, but you can live with yourself better as a grownup if you know you have not caused pain to someone else. I've never regretted it, and I love that my children did the same. They're protective of those who need protecting." - Kim Remesch in Baltimore, MD

"Friends come and go but family sticks together forever, no matter what. G-d and family come first above all else." - Malysa Jo in Midland, Wash.

More from Lyn:

Positive Parenting Tips: Respecting Your Child's Own Beliefs

Family Means Everything and the Rest is Subjective

Positive Parenting Tips: Kids are Team Members, Not Property