The year is more than halfway through, but it’s never too late to teach our kids some Filipino values! Call me old school, but I firmly believe that passing on the things we’ve learned from our own mommas and poppas are very important! So, I jogged my memory, did some research, and came up with this list of manners and values that would make your kid a good role model for every-Juan!

Not only is this a sign of respect, it also teaches our kids humility, courtesy, and kindness.

If Japan, Korea, India, and some other countries in Asia bow when greeting others (especially the elderly), the Philippines has its own way of greeting–through pagmamano! This is done by pressing our forehead to the (right) hand of our lolos, lolas, titos, and titas as a sign of greeting with respect.

Because sharing is caring! Encourage your kids to share–whether it’s a toy, book, or even a piece of chocolate, let them experience how this simple act of charity not only makes them feel good, but others too! Win-win!

Make sure that your kids understand that everyone, including Yaya, Manong, and Manang, are to be treated with respect. When asking for something, tell them to do it nicely and courteously–no yelling or snapping, please!

As general as it may sound, saying “Thank you!” and “I’m sorry” when it’s due goes a very long way.

Ahh… this Filipino value is almost as old as time! And there’s no way we’re letting it go! Examples of this could be helping an elderly person cross the street or helping a classmate in some school activity. A genuine act of bayanihan is a great way to embody our culture!

Being a predominantly Catholic country, it’s customary to instill in our kids a close relationship with God at an early age. One of the simplest ways to do this is by making it a routine to say grace before meals and before going to sleep.

Got any more Filipino values, manners, and etiquette that you teach your kids? Share it with us in the comments below!