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Development Topics
How to Shape Your Child’s Character
Activities That Teach Character
Plan a way to “live out” a character trait that you want your children to learn. It is much easier for them to grasp a concept if they see it in action. For example:
Kind Words
- Have each family member take a turn at dinnertime to say what he or she likes best about another person.
- Ask everyone to write (or draw a picture) in a note to a friend telling how much he or she is appreciated.
- Challenge everybody to try one day saying “please” and “thank you” in situations where it might not seem absolutely necessary.
Sharing
- Take a meal to a neighbor, friend or family member in need. Have everyone help prepare and deliver it.
- Box up toys and clothes that are in good condition to give to a church or other charity.
- Share your time as a family by offering to keep a single parent’s children for a few hours or overnight.
Patience
- Have each family member wait to buy something he really wants. See if the desire goes away.
- Make your child sit for five minutes in front of her favorite dessert while everyone else leaves the room. If it is still there when you return, she gets a double portion (don’t let on ahead of time).
- Be patient the next time your children do something frustrating and offer to help instead of growling at them.
For more ways to develop your child's character, join the Focus on Your Child Character Crew. Learn more at www.CharacterCrew.com
Do you have thoughts, questions, advice on this topic? Post your stories and comments in the forum for other parents to respond to. Enter the forum now.
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