"To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." -Theodore Roosevelt, U.S. President
Teddy Roosevelt hit the mark with his words. To educate a child in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and not about living is to raise a menace to society.
How do we as parents, teachers, and mentors help children build character? Below you will notice the five character-building goals to instill in your children. Using questions as practical tools is an easy and excellent way to promote those goals and build character too.
Imagine that a boy named Harold recently moved into your neighborhood. He constantly causes trouble. The school principal just sent him home with a note addressed to his parents about his acting out in class. You and your child discuss Harold's problems. You center your discussion on the five key goals listed below. To instill each goal, ask your child the following practical questions:
Goal 1:
Empathy-Being aware of and caring about others' feelings.
Question: If you were Harold, how would you feel?
Goal 2:
Role Taking-Putting oneself into another's shoes and understanding where they are coming from.
Question:
What do you think Harold wanted by acting out in class?
Goal 3:
Social Awareness-Being aware of other's opinions, their needs, their likes, and dislikes.
Question:
If you were a classmate of Harold's, what might you think of Harold?
Goal 4:
Self-Reflection-Examining our own thoughts,feelings,and, behaviors.
Question: Have you ever misbehaved in class? How did you feel about yourself?
Goal 5:
Internalizing Good Advice-Taking to heart the advice your child gives to others and following it when he or she needs it.
Question:
If you were giving good advice to Harold, what would you tell him?
Congratulations! By asking the above questions, you have just strengthened your child's character because you have awakened your child's thoughtful mind and caring heart.
We've examined what goals to instill and what questions to ask. Let's learn where to build character by asking the above questions in the following situations:
Problem characters on TV
Problems on the school bus
Problems in the classroom
Problems in the neighborhood
Problems at home
Problems in discussion stories
Now, it's time to take action. If you're like most busy parents just remember the questions and ask them often. Get your children to think and to feel wisely. By using these tools now and you will be building character in your child and a better society for us all.
About the Author:
Jean Tracy, MSS
Edmonds, WA.
Learn powerful parenting concepts that you can use right now! Informative articles written by this seasoned therapist brings you the tips and tools you must use to raise your awesome kids with solid characters. Sign up for this FREE Parenting Newsletter, Tips and Tools for Character Builders, and download FREE bonding activities when you subscribe at: http://www.kidsdiscuss.com
You are welcome to reproduce this article when you include the above information about the author. Forward it to your friends too.
Most research into children's friendships shows that those children who... Read More
Voices!So many voices crying out for adherence and so many... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
Do you live with an ADD / ADHD child? If... Read More
There isn't a school day that goes by that I... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
Rule #1 Make Every Bite Count!Everything your child eats should... Read More
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and... Read More
When planning a child birthday party, just a little bit... Read More
The advances in science over the past century have been... Read More
I thought I was the only one in the world... Read More
Studies have shown that:1 out of 4 children were sent... Read More
NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier,... Read More
Home, home on the range, Where never is heard A... Read More
Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting... Read More
How do we deal with our seriously distressed children and... Read More
Every children in the world whishes to have toys and... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
Some people can concentrate on an assignment, to the exclusion... Read More
When was the last time you and your kids rolled... Read More
There are millions of young children in this country who... Read More
Everyone needs friends, and, as parents, you and I both... Read More
Recess has begun disappearing in states all around the country.... Read More
Does the homework battle so typical with your hyperactive or... Read More
When we talk about attention, we are talking about two... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
The techniques of managing relationships between parents and their children... Read More
One reason public schools get away with educational failure, year... Read More
For parents, keeping our kids safe is a constant top... Read More
It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More
Dear MomOn this day set aside to honour "Mother's" let... Read More
Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind... Read More
Not Letting Them Think.We all implicitly know that anything questioning... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
"My son won't go to bed at night without a... Read More
Tripping over the shoes and toys that seem to clutter... Read More
I thought I was the only one in the world... Read More
Can you draw a straight line? Most adults don't consider... Read More
Here is a list of ways to convey the message... Read More
What would it be like to have a clone? What... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
Reasearch into children's friendships shows that those children who are... Read More
Diagnosing children and teens with ADHD can be a challenge.... Read More
What is Happening in the brain of children, teens, and... Read More
Many parenting books advise against eating out with young children.... Read More
Goal setting is essential for building a successful life. However,... Read More
Most parents can hardly wait for their baby to say... Read More
There are several treatment options available to help improve the... Read More
As the father of a toddler, I am an expert... Read More
One of the most difficult parts of being a father... Read More
Parenting |