Thinking about values and what should be your top value? Choose family. Read this article to know why.

A family is a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The Cambridge Dictionary defines values as the beliefs people have, especially about what is right and wrong and what is most important in life, that control their behaviour. Examples of values include growth, empathy, discipline, family, compassion, honesty, humility, and courage.

I hold family as my top value, and I believe everyone should too. Family is the first and primary institution in society, and it plays a crucial role in child care and development. Your family is your first school, and when a child is born, the family becomes solely responsible for their development, welfare, and overall well-being.

The family unit teaches children basic knowledge, respect, honesty, humility, and essential life skills. As children grow, these lessons shape their social, cultural, political, and religious views. When children from different families interact, their differing perspectives often lead to disagreements. However, these disagreements stem from the values instilled by their families.

Brown is a high school girl who believes she can break barriers and, against all odds, become a great force in aerospace. June, a five-year-old, believes he’s going to be a doctor someday. Lin doesn’t eat meat because her mom said they’re vegetarians. Zuri, a four-year-old, almost went out with her hair out, but her elder sister told her girls in Islam should always cover their hair. Tahley cried because he wanted to meet Santa Claus, and his dad said, “Wait till it’s Christmas.”

Nobody is an island; everyone needs family and the love that binds them. Your family is the first to love you, and this love stays, even till the end of time. While there may be conflicts, it is pertinent to know that as long as humans are on earth, there will always be conflicts, and they can always be managed and curbed. Tobi and Julie, siblings who argue frequently, remain best friends for life.

If you’re unsure about prioritizing family, ask yourself: Who supported you in difficult times? Who reassured and cared for you? Who made sacrifices and stayed by your side? Who said those prayers and stayed with you all night?

Mr. Levi, a 66-year-old in the hospital, looks at his wife with so much love as she cleans him up with care and gentleness. Shayla cries as her lover just dumped her, and she finds solace and comfort in her big brother’s arms. Katherine is campaigning, as she wants to be the first black woman to win the election.

The love of family is profound. It’s deeper than the Pacific Ocean, knowing you for who you are and standing by you through thick and thin. Come rain, come sunshine. When others turn away, your family remains. They bring joy in bleak times, make you laugh when you see no reason to, provide a sense of security, and take risks for you. They teach with love, and no one wants the best for you more than your family.

Brown is now an aerospace engineer; her family believed in her and gave her all the support she needed. Just like Ben Carson, June is now a neurosurgeon; he wasn’t good in sciences, but his big brother didn’t give up on him. Lin doesn’t need to be reminded to say no when given meat. Zuri knows she must not expose her hair in public; she has never done that. “Christmas is my best season,” Tahley said, as he does his Christmas decor in his apartment in a Santa Claus costume.

Mrs. Levi has tears of joy rolling down her cheeks as Mr. Levi rings the bell; he beats cancer and will be discharged from the hospital in a few days. Shayla has now found true love and is married to the best man ever. Katherine won her election against all odds; her family was her backbone.

I can go on and on, but the lesson here is that all these achievements were made possible because they all had families with them and by their side. Even as you reflect, this is all you need to hold family as your top value today.

ALSO READ: When Family Becomes the Most Important Destination

About Author

Gloria

I’m a graduate of the University of Benin, I studied International Studies and Diplomacy. I’m lifestyle writer, content and copy writer, content strategist, poet and spoken word artiste.

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