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10 WAYS TO INSTILL CHARACTER IN YOUR CHILDREN by Family First
Most of us are well aware that our kids are "characters." But how about
developing character in our kids? That's another story, but it's an intention
well worth the effort.
There's a principle in education that refers to family – and parents in
particular – as "first teachers." Nothing has the potential to impact children
to the extent of what they learn… or don't learn… at home. The point is,
children have the best chance of learning and developing character in the
context of life at home base in family relationships.
So how do we accomplish this? It's not really a chore; it turns out, if we
provide a consistent environment where character is part of the fabric. When we
– as a family - live values such as integrity, honesty, humility, goodness,
fairness, reliability, trusts etc., then we are already more than halfway there.
Here are some additional ideas to help tip the balance:
1. Read together - Get in the habit of sharing some of the great stories
that feature people who do the right thing, like the classic "Ben-Hur," the
Newbery winning "Bridge to Terabithia," and C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia."
2. Watch movies as a family - Some of these stories make great movies.
But don't just pass it off to the kids. Watch it together and make time for
conversation.
3. Find reference works on character education and actually teach it -
Google "character education", ask the guidance counselor at school. There are
workbooks available for all ages. Make it a family project and participate
yourself.
4. Help your children select their heroes - Don't wait for the up to ten
hours of daily media barrage to impose role models. We can be a part of the
process by exposing our kids to heroes with the character to back up the claim.
Be a character filter.
5. Be their hero - Actually, as a mom and dad, you already are. The
opportunity is to live character out loud to the extent that it rubs off.
6. Remember that the family is always "first teacher" - Always be ahead
of the curve because proactive is better than reactive when it comes to
developing character. Don't rely on anyone else to teach these lessons for you.
You're the parents, it's your opportunity!
7. Learn to grab the teachable moment - Sometimes, life requires
commentary. Once in a while, all it takes is ice cream and a chat to elevate an
interesting experience into a solid life lesson.
8. Ask kids' help to point out non-examples - All parents have to do is
ask a few probing questions, and our kids will fill in the rest. "Why do you
think (insert famous athlete name here) is still on probation?" typically works
better than a parental lecture on his sins.
9. Practice character-building exercises - It's naïve to believe that the
right lessons will always come along naturally. Make plans to help an elderly
neighbor on a regular basis. Help serve food at a local homeless shelter. Plan
family meetings where you target specific character lessons and develop
strategies together.
10. Make sure the family is rooted in something bigger than itself - It's
not enough to do or value things because "that's the way this family does
things" – there has to be a higher standard still. So ask yourself this
question; "How do I instill character in myself?"
© 2010 All Pro Dad. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and
Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks. |
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