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4 Simple Yet Effective Ways to Teach Your Children Good Character
With the beginning of the school year upon you, you likely have plenty on your plate. If you’re a parent, you’re probably busy getting supplies, adjusting bedtime, picking new school clothes for your kids, or any number of things. But what about good character?
The beginning of the school year is a critical time for kids. It’s a time of new schedules, new classrooms, new classmates, and more. It’s easy to let things like good character slip through the cracks. But encouraging good character in your child is important. The question is…how do you do it?
I’m San Francisco Bay Area school assembly performer Cosmo. Each year, I perform hundreds of shows at schools and private events in the Bay Area and surrounding areas. Each month, I write informative articles like this one to help busy parents, teachers, and school faculty navigate the often-chaotic life of raising children.
Why is Good Character Important?
Alarmists and some educators like to beat the drum of curriculum first at all costs. They tout facts and figures saying how far behind the United States is when it comes to educating children compared to the rest of the world.
And I’m not going to dispute those figures.
But where the alarmists are wrong is their viewpoint saying leave everything behind except academics. But studies consistently show that coupling good character activities in the classroom and at home helps kids perform better academically.
And adopting good character practices helps kids in the real world. Some day they are going to be working with other people in the real world. They’re going to need to function in a team. So good character benefits people in adulthood too.
Here are a few simple things you can do as a parent…
Good Character for Kids Tip #1: Model Behavior
If you want your child to grow into an intelligent, compassionate member of society, then lead by example. Your child is paying attention to you, even when you think they are not.
Demonstrate to your child the value of using manners. Say “please” when you tell your child to do something. Say “thank you” when they complete a task you have assigned. Yes, as a parent you are in charge. But demonstrating these simple bits of good character can have an amazingly positive effect on your child.
Good Character for Kids Tip #2: Give Your Child Chores
Kids who are given chores learn valuable lessons of responsibility. Assign your child tasks to do around the house. And as your child adopts these simple tasks, you can give them more complex tasks too. Use your imagination and some responsibilities can even become bonding moments.
Consider having your child plan and cook a meal once or twice a week. Yes, you’ll need to supervise them if your child is very young. But learning how to plan and prepare meals is a valuable skill that can benefit them for the rest of their lives.
And you’re in on the action, it can serve as a wonderful way to spend time with your child too.
Good Character for Kids Tip #3: Get Involved in Your Child’s School
Want your child to develop good character? Get involved in their school. Join your child’s school PTA/PTO. Education experts tout better attendance, higher grades, and improved social skills from kids whose parents are intimately involved in their school.
There’s another benefit to your child, too. And it’s a big one.
Parents who are directly involved in their child’s school are also helping their children develop a positive attitude to lifelong learning. Education doesn’t end with school…or at least it shouldn’t. Technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Whatever skills your child brings to their job as an adult will need to be updated.
Leaning into lifelong learning gives your child a massive advantage in life as they enter the job market.
Good Character for Kids Tip #4: Maintain Real Contact
Technology and our obsession with our mobile devices are straining our connection to real people. The more we allow ourselves to get sucked into the vortex of social media and all the damage it causes, the worse off we are.
Limit your child’s screen time. Be sure to have real, meaningful conversations with your child. As they get older, have conversations with them about world events. Discuss what’s happening and how it may affect the family values you hold.
The bottom line? Stay involved in your child’s life.
An Effective Character Education Program for Your Child’s School
Want to give every student in your child’s school a good character education ‘boost?’ Check out my character education school assembly program, “The Greatest Kids Show on Earth.” It’s filled with amazing magic, LIVE animals, join-in fun, and more. And everything in the show is designed to highlight important character education lessons. Contact me today for more details.