Honesty: the main characteristic that Brazilian mothers want their children to achieve in life

There is no single definition of honesty. It is an ethical value, fundamental for social interaction. Teaching the child what it is takes time and depends on the attitudes of the parents themselves, examples and conversations. According to the study ‘Moms’ Hopes & Wishes’ (in the original, ‘Moms’ Hopes & Wishes’) released by Fisher-Price, a global early childhood development company and subsidiary of Mattel, honesty is the main personality characteristic that Brazilian mothers want their children to achieve in life. It was even above other important ones, such as success, leadership and intelligence.

During the survey, which was carried out over four weeks between February and March 2015, more than 3,500 mothers aged between 21 and 40 were interviewed. Fifty percent of the participants were first-time pregnant women. The other half consisted of first-time mothers of one child, aged between 0 and 18 months. Local surveys were conducted online or in person in seven countries, including: Brazil, Mexico, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.

When asked about the opportunities their children will have compared to the opportunities they themselves had, mothers from five of the seven countries feel that their children will have a better life, including in Brazil. What makes you feel most optimistic about raising children? Access to education was the number one answer.

All the data were presented during a forum that brought together international experts in early childhood development, including singer Shakira, who is the mother of Milan, 3 years old, and Sasha, 6 months old.

Check below the results of our country:

The main personality characteristics that Brazilian mothers consider important for children to obtain in their lives:

1. Honesty
2. Respect for parents and elders
3. Politeness
4. Happiness
5. good hygiene

Words that Brazilian mothers most used to describe their child:

1. Intelligent
2. Beautiful
3. Clever

What do Brazilian mothers believe is most important for their child’s development:

1. Love
2. Education
3. pranks,
4. Examples to be followed

Brazilian personality highlights:

Although these characteristics are well in line with the international classification, Brazilian mothers placed greater emphasis on the environmental awareness characteristic than any other country in the survey.

• 67% strongly agreed that environmental awareness is an important trait for children to achieve. Ranked 9th, no other country included this feature in the top 10. Pressure gauge Brazilian mothers are confident in their abilities, but are they open to learning more? 57% of mothers surveyed in Brazil strongly agreed that “being a mother is all about common sense,” more than mothers in any country surveyed. However, don’t rely entirely on instinct. 84% of them agreed that they like to “stay up to date with the latest parenting information”.