5 perspectives

If I had to teach five precepts to teach my future children, it would be modesty, self-confidence, respect, responsibility, and individual characteristics. 

Modesty would be my first choice to teach my children because no matter how important, famous or rich you are, you will not receive any respect without any modesty. People will talk behind your back, point fingers at you and most importantly, will not have any true friends besides you. 

Self confidence would be my second choice because without any confidence, you as a person won't shine. If you can't shine for yourself, there is no way other people will see your shinning self. Confidence is categorized under "must have" personality box in our working society. Without self-confidence, you can't progress or develop higher in this society. My mother always told me that strong women should stick together. I thank my mom for leading me into a right direction, for making me who I am, a strong, independent, person.

Respect it is one of the most important precepts a person must obey by no matter where or who you are with. My mother always told me to respect one another and treat others as you would like to be treated. I'll teach my children never to touch other people's items without asking them, be polite, don't be noisy and push people too far, but most of all, be the person who can listen to others when they need you the most.

Responsibility is another huge precepts my children needs to learn. "Take responsibility to whatever came out of your mouth." Yes, it can be interpreted in two ways. Clean up your own puke or take actions in something you've promised to someone. There's a famous saying, "don't make promises when you can't keep it". Even I admit this is one of the hardest task in my life. I hate it when I ask my friend to return my stuff after I let them borrow, and they keep on using this old fashioned line, "I promise I'll bring it tomorrow" and never does. It genuinely pisses me off. Whenever I borrow something from someone else, I try to give it back to that person the next day. If i borrowed their clothes, I wash it and give it back. I believe it's common courtesy to do that. 

And last but not least is supporting my children with individual characteristics. Teaching them or helping them to be who they are and what they can be is one of the important factors in life. I'd rather have a unique, creative, and bright children compared to the kid who seats help them represent who they are as a person. I believe every children has their own imaginary portrait of who they want to be and I, as a parent want to respect that. These are the five precepts I would like to teach them.