"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.
same day cleaning service Bannockburn ..Corolle Paul or Emma Drink-and-Wet SET potty dollsThis is the... Read More
The word no is probably the most overused word in... Read More
Baby names are as diverse as the people to whom... Read More
There are moments in a parent's or grandparent's life, when... Read More
Is it possible to be using our children addictively?Anything that... Read More
Have you ever wondered why toys for babies tend to... Read More
I am a single mother of a 17 year old... Read More
Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More
``Mom, can I go to the mall with my friend... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comParents ? Minimize Homework Hassles?It's... Read More
This time, I would like to talk about a subject... Read More
We adopted our first child when he was three months... Read More
For any of you Moms out there that are doing... Read More
Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting... Read More
The Internet is one of the greatest inventions of all... Read More
Vinegar or honey, what do kids really want? "Toys, candy,... Read More
"It takes a village to raise a child" is more... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
The key to a successful car wash fundraiser event is... Read More
Is your weekly shopping trip with the kids an absolute... Read More
There are only two ways to get more money:1) Increase... Read More
I'll never forget my first lesson in a glider.I'd been... Read More
Some children practically potty train themselves, while others struggle and... Read More
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the... Read More
Being a parent is a role that requires a large... Read More
housekeepers near Deerfield .."You can learn many things from children. How much patience... Read More
Let's face it: raising children can be quite the adventure.... Read More
Rule #1 Make Every Bite Count!Everything your child eats should... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
How can two or three children in the same family... Read More
Not too long ago my teenage daughter approached me with... Read More
MYTH: All teens have to rebel, and the teen years... Read More
Are men to blame for the divorce problem in this... Read More
So you're pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change... Read More
The great thing about children is they absorb knowledge like... Read More
My son recently had his third birthday party and it... Read More
What parents of a teen haven't wondered where their sweet... Read More
It's the third time this week that Sam has complained... Read More
Bullies are an ugly but very real part of childhood.... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
The least flexible character in all of the stories of... Read More
It was a day that I will forever be etched... Read More
A strange thing happened to me today. Or more precisely,... Read More
1. Encourage your babysitter by keeping their favorite foods/snacks on... Read More
This article on parenting is by a practicing relationship counsellor/therapist,... Read More
Imagine you were the principal of the school that your... Read More
Every parent wants their child to develop positive character traits.... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
Is there a way to build a robot to help... Read More
I am sure that this list can be jogged and... Read More
Parenting |