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Ask Dr. Ana: How Can I Teach My Kids Values Without My Religious Background?

Learn effective ways to guide and teach your children life skills, values, and morality to help them grow into well-adjusted adults, regardless of whether you’re raising them religious or not.

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Updated: November 20, 2025
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Updated: November 20, 2025
Table of contents

A parent wonders how to guide their children while separating their own religious upbringing from their parenting choices. Dr. Ana Aznar shares actionable advice on instilling life skills, values, and morality while maintaining a warm, supportive relationship with kids.

How to Train Up A Child Without Bringing Your Past Into Parenting

Question: “What is the best way to train up a child? I grew up religious, where this was a very important phrase, but I want to not bring too much of my past into my present with my kids (ages 11 and 12).”

Dr. Ana’s Expert Answer

To “train up a child” means guiding and teaching them by instilling life skills, values, and morality so they can make good choices and grow into well-adjusted adults.

Whether or not you raise your children religiously, you can help them develop a moral compass, strong values, and practical life skills. Here’s how:

Be Your Child’s Role Model

Children learn more from what you do than what you say. If you want them to be honest, hardworking, or kind, make sure you embody those qualities. Kids are always observing—practice what you preach.

Provide Guidance

Explain to your child why their behavior is right or wrong. Clear communication helps them understand the impact of their actions.

Praise Good Behavior

When your kids do something positive, like helping a friend, tidying their room, or feeding the dog, be sure to acknowledge and praise their efforts. Positive reinforcement encourages them to repeat these behaviors.

Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People

Surround yourself and your children with people who share your values. Positive influences can help reinforce the values you want your children to learn.

Follow Your Values

Be clear about the values you want to teach your children. Avoid making parenting choices based solely on what others do. Instead, ensure your behaviors and decisions align with the values you want to instill.

Build A Strong Relationship

Establish a warm, loving relationship with your children while providing clear limits, consistency, and routine. Kids thrive when they feel secure and have clear boundaries.

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Get in touch with me if you want to discuss if further. 

I hope this information helps!

Regards, 

Ana

Dr Ana Aznar

What Does “Train Up A Child” Mean?

To “train up a child” means guiding and teaching them life skills, values, and morality, helping them make good choices and grow into well-rounded adults.

How Can I Raise My Kids Without Bringing My Religious Upbringing Into Parenting?

Focus on universal values like honesty, kindness, and responsibility. Be clear about the values you want to teach, practice them in your own life, and build a warm, supportive relationship with your children.

How Can I Encourage Good Behavior In My Kids?

Praise their positive actions, such as helping others or completing chores. Positive reinforcement makes children more likely to repeat those behaviors.

For more information, check out these popular topics:

Do you have any parenting questions for our parenting coach and expert, Dr. Ana Aznar? Ask for free today!


Dr. Ana Aznar

About Ana

Dr. Ana Aznar is the founder of REC Parenting. She is a psychologist with a passion to support… Read more

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