This topic was inspired by the drama @ RoyalQuest Schools, acted for the Children’s day celebration. The story was about two children who helped an elderly woman (against the wish of their friend) and were blessed by the woman which resulted to them excelling in their exams. The message in the drama was on kindness, respect and humility.
The story may not be totally applicable in practical life but could be very relatable. It is common knowledge that there’s reward in anything we do, good or bad.
Children need to be constantly educated about the meaning and essentials of loyalty. They need to be reminded always of the importance of loyalty, the fact that with loyalty, God will be pleased with them, the people around them will benefit, and they will be rewarded for it. Loyalty is a vital part of human relationship including the spiritual life and the results are always amazing.
Being loyal means being committed, keeping to promises, standing up for the people you care about, respecting and supporting them and showing them love. Loyalty in children starts from home. It starts from what their parents do, the family structure, family values, their environment, what they hear and see, the people they relate with, what they’re taught and how they’re nurtured. Thus, the family and the environment of a child is a huge enabling factor of Loyalty.
Ways to Teach Children Loyalty
- Model loyalty. Show it. Talk about it. Teach it. Give instructions about it. Create the awareness, relate the usefulness and the reward.
- Cite instances using familiar stories for better understanding. There are many moments in a child’s life where loyalty is involved or at stake. Use those instances.
- Use adages or slogans to make them recite and understand more. They’re many slogans about loyalty, the benefits and reward. Recite them.
- Differentiate between foolishness and loyalty to them. A child who does not understand the difference may start acting foolish or subdue her voice or become gullible, in a bid to be loyal and to please someone. The difference is so clear and should be well exemplified.
- Teach them kindness and respect. A child who practices these two virtues are more likely to be loyal or will find it easy to be loyal. In other words, respect begets loyalty. It is difficult to be loyal without being kind and respectful.
- Teach them commitment, genuine care and feelings for others well-being. Let them know that it is okay to forget about themselves for a while and focus on others especially when situation demands.
- Let them know that loyalty should be extended beyond our close circle. It is not only our parents, family, friends, colleagues etc that we owe loyalty, but anyone we come across in life. This is because genuine loyalty has no boundaries and if we limit loyalty, it means we are limited too, to receiving loyalty when we need it.
- Don’t speak ill about others to your children. Speak positively about friends, neighbours, the community etc. Share only positive moments using the good in others not the other way round. Appreciate people in suitable ways.
- Always reassure them that you’ll be there for them in happy and sad moments.
Let them know they can depend on you always. With this, they understand trust which is synonymous with loyalty. - Let them know the joy and fulfillment that comes with being loyal. The reward is not just external but internal. The joy is not just with the receiver of loyalty but also with the giver. Just like the saying, ‘ blessed is the hand that giveth than the one that receiveth’, the person who shows loyalty is happier and more fulfilled than the one who receives.
Royalty through loyalty
People who have shown loyalty are honored with royalty. Royalty is worth the efforts of loyalty and one of the greatest reward of loyalty. Many people have been privileged to dine with kings because of their loyalty. The biblical instance of Elijah and Elisha is a good example, Elisha got double portion of Elijah’s anointing because of his loyalty towards Elijah. Thus, loyalty comes before royalty, like some say, loyalty over royalty.
There’s no royalty without loyalty. In your quest for royalty, use the corridors of loyalty!
Amara Ann Unachukwu
