Even before I had kids I said that I didn’t care if they were the smartest kids in the class, but I wanted them to have good character. I want to raise the kids that others want to be around and be friends with. I want my kids to be the ones that volunteer when no one else will and will help out a person in need just because they see a need. Everyday I try to find ways to teach them in the moment even if it is something as small as “do overs” when they snatch something from my hand. Here are 5 quick ways we incorporate character into our everyday lives. Believe me, we definitely do not do this all the time and we pretty much had a melt down in Target today.
- Responsibility: Daily tasks as simple as brushing teeth and putting on clothes in the morning are part of teaching personal responsibility. We expect this to be done without asking and often have to prompt the youngest. When we do we use it as a way to remind him why it is important to take care of yourself in simple terms. The same goes for putting away dishes once they are done eating and cleaning up toys once they are done playing. Yes, we have battles, but the more we focus on the reasons why it is important, the less battles we have.
- Books: There are many books that do a great job with character education. One of my personal favorites is by Free Spirit and is called Be Positive. Davis really loves this one as well. You can even take childhood favorites and find lessons in each of them about good character. The important thing to do is to comment on what happened in the book to see if it is hitting home for your kids (it likely is).
- Model Behavior: Let’s be honest, we all have our moments of frustration and breaking points. I’m not going to pretend that doesn’t happen. But, for the most part, our kids are a reflection of us. So, it is in our best interest as parents to model the behavior we hope to see in our own children. I’ve noticed even small things like letting out a little groan of frustration can be a big deal! My kids pick up on everything. I’ve also learned that if I approach them with less frustration we all tend to get what we want a lot quicker.
- Find a Need: You don’t have to look very far to find someone or something in need. Maybe you have an elderly neighbor that could use some company or a friend who is moving that could use an extra hand. What a great way to get your kids involved and show them that life simply does not revolve around them. It is good to take a step back and see the bigger picture.
- Movies: Because we’ve been streaming Netflix for the past few months, we have had the opportunity to take in more shows that really are great for kids. One that has become a favorite for Davis is Care Bears. I remember watching the older version of this when I was growing up and the friendship, responsibility and caring nature of the show is one I agree with. Davis often has questions about being a good friend or helping others once the show has ended. Other shows we really love are Daniel Tiger and The Magic School Bus that are all available on Netflix as well.
I think modeling behavior is a big one. If the kids see us acting a certain way, they will follow our lead.
Responsibility is a good one for our kids we give them plenty.And model behavior. Great list.
I love the fact that you brought up TALKING about why a chore is important!! We need to do that.
we talk about chores all the time. I think it’s important for kids to learn responsibility and being a contributing part of the family
I think model behavior has to be my favorite of those you listed. Great list!
These are such good ideas. I want to raise kind, compassionate children.
Modeling behavior is really so important. Kids will do what they see those closest to them doing. This is a great list!
These are really great tips. I agree that modeling behavior and chores are really important ones.
Very good topic and great advice. All kids and a few adults need to learn this behavior.
Great tips. We try to be very careful to set good examples and to teach good manners with our children.
Teaching character is huge in my book. I also like what you say about your kids being a reflection of you. I know some parents who need to read this post.
Books and movies can teach great lessons if you watch the right ones. Thanks for these tips!
You are so right! I try to always model the behavior I want from my son, they learn by what you do!
I appreciate your honesty about the melt down in Target. Some people paint a glossy picture that everything is perfect and life is perfect. And we love great books that teach us great character
Kids do as you do. Modeling behavior is so important. It’s also important for them to see us mess up sometimes and learn from us how to fix it.
Modeling behavior is such an important one, I see a lot of parents forgetting that one.
I definitely agree with this – especially modeling behavior. Children often tend to absorb everything around them and it’s important to set a good example.
Definitely model behavior! I am always on my husband about some of his actions and how if he does them, our girls will think it’s ok too (like talking on his cell while driving.)
These are all definitely great ways to teach character. My favorite one, though, is model behavior.
Great tips. I’d say the biggest one is to model the behavior! People hear what you say but they believe what you do.
Nice list f ways to teach character – they are all very important. Role modeling I think is number one.
great list of charachter building ways. My children do chores it’s the only way the house runs..
Our youngest has been making great progress with #1 this summer. It’s like he’s overnight bloomed into a responsible little man. I like it. 🙂 These are all good tips!
The best way is to model it yourself as a parent. There are so many times that we don’t realize that our kids are seeing us and hearing what we say. They follow our examples
Great tips! I try to do my best as a mom. My girls are ALWAYS watching and absorbing things like a sponge!
Hulu Plus has just about all of the Veggie Tale movies. We love them and find they always teach a good lesson.
I have two teens and teaching responsibility is a big one for me. I want to make sure they are prepared for adulthood, Responsibility is a big part of being an adult.
I love how everything we do as parents affects our children. I definitely want them to have great character
Great tips! It is soo important that we teach character. Such a very important life lesson.
Great tips and lesson. I want mine to have great character.
Since I know you, I know you’re doing a fantastic job of raising those boys! You gave some great advice here. 🙂