Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Building Character: Why Parenting Is Important

Good parenting is essential to helping children to develop “CHARACTER.” CHARACTER is built when children learn a variety of skills and behaviors that help them to develop emotionally and intellectually, so they can grow up to be fully functional, self-reliant, productive adults. These behaviors include teaching children how to:

  • Interact with others (social skills)

  • Weigh choices and use good judgment (decision-making)

  • Plan for the future (goal-setting)

  • Prepare for school work and other activities (time management)

  • Spend wisely and save for the future (money management)

  • Resolve disagreements and manage difficult situations (conflict management)

  • Give back to society (volunteerism)

  • Value and protect personal belongings and property (responsibility)

  • Treat others the way you would want to be treated (respect)

  • Follow through on what you say you are going to do (dependability)

  • Examine things from different points of view (open mindedness)

  • Think things through” or “think ahead” (critical thinking)

  • Keep trying even if you fail (perseverance)

  • Do your best or “give it your all” (excellence)

  • Be truthful, honest and dependable (trustworthiness)

  • Be compassionate, caring and have respect for individual differences by trying to feel the emotions of others (empathy)

  • Learn to rely on your own abilities (self-reliance)

Remember, children know that parents are expected to set House Rules, delegate Chores and expect certain behaviors from their children. Rules, Chores and Discipline teach children important life skills and a play a key role in building CHARACTER. Being a good parent means making a committment to change your children's behavior, but BEFORE you attempt to change your child's behavior, make sure you recognize that you must first change your own behavior.

No comments: