"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.
professional maid services Deerfield ..When our oldest son was 2, my wife went out... Read More
Family meetings provide opportunities for feelings to be aired and... Read More
A parent writes in, ``We are having a hard time... Read More
Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17... Read More
One of the most powerful tools that parents have for... Read More
1. Encourage your babysitter by keeping their favorite foods/snacks on... Read More
Along with eating healthier we need to be more active.... Read More
The 21st Century Problem in Schools: Bullying, and How to... Read More
In our last article about the neurology of ADHD we... Read More
The techniques of managing relationships between parents and their children... Read More
A learning disability is defined as a permanent problem that... Read More
Just the other day my oldest son asked:"Daddy, am I... Read More
There are many things to like about the television show... Read More
Winnie the Pooh is the classic picture of Inattentive ADHD.... Read More
My thirteen-year-old daughter recently called me up to say she... Read More
Younger generations unfortunately will not understand how larger than life... Read More
Prenatal intelligence, also known as fetal intelligence, has become a... Read More
Thank you for all that you do in the classroom!... Read More
"Walk through any toy store and you will see walls... Read More
Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind... Read More
Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More
I don't know how people raise daughters because I have... Read More
1 - Forgive even if you will never be able... Read More
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
Have you ever watched your teenager make a mistake (that... Read More
quick home cleaning Lake Forest ..Beyond cases reported to authorities, little knowledge exists on the... Read More
It was the homework that did it. Each night became... Read More
In a consumer-driven society that broadcasts values you don't approve... Read More
There is a front line and a back end to... Read More
Are you a frustrated parent who sometimes finds it is... Read More
Q: My husband and I are at a loss as... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
Are men to blame for the divorce problem in this... Read More
"Will my doubts and fears affect my child?" This father... Read More
Kids today no longer live the kind of privileged lives... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
Corolle Paul or Emma Drink-and-Wet SET potty dollsThis is the... Read More
When parents help their children learn to read, they help... Read More
Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many... Read More
The 21st Century Problem in Schools: Bullying, and How to... Read More
How in the world do you get your child to... Read More
Dear Camille,As I thumb through the photographs that I carry... Read More
Having been a parent educator and a PBS consultant for... Read More
Q. I need your help with a question about my... Read More
Children bombard parents with many challenging behaviours. We are delighted... Read More
Why Me?"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should... Read More
There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are... Read More
17 Quick Ways to Strengthen the Bonds of LoveOn Mother's... Read More
Some public schools try to turn children against their parents... Read More
There is a new stage of development for parents to... Read More
Parenting |