You can teach values and ethics to your child by way of storytelling. The Ramayana and Mahabharata especially, preach a lot of values that we would want our children to imbibe. Not for nothing, are they the most commonly taught epics since ancient times. Instead of simply commanding your child to respect his elders, you can use examples from his favourite epics to teach him the same.
Learn how you can use one of the greatest gems of Hindu Mythology, namely the Ramayana to teach your children moral values and ethics with the following suggestions.
Sibling Relationships
If your child has any siblings, focus on the love the brothers had for each other. Why did Lakshman, who was used to all the worldly luxuries due to a prince, decide to give all of that up voluntarily to live with his elder brother for 14 years of hardship in a forest? Because he loved his brother and could not bear the thought of having to live 14 years without him.
You can also teach your child the importance of standing up for his siblings with the example of Surpanakha. When Surpanakha was insulted by Lakshman, her brothers Khaara and Dooshan rushed to avenge her not caring of the fact that it could lead to their death. When Rama and Lakshmana did indeed vanquish her brothers, Surpanakha sought her other brother Ravana's aid, setting the wheels for the grand battle between Rama and Ravan, good and evil, into motion.
In today's materialistic world where disputes between siblings are commonplace, stories like these need to be extolled and repeated time and again. Parents need to encourage