How to Build Character in Kids

When your child has character, he can achieve anything he sets out to do. Building character in kids really isn't that difficult, but it requires your involvement and constant attention.

Instructions

1. Teach your kids to be honest in everything they do and say. Explain that it's not okay to do something sneaky just because they can get away with it. Character building in kids begins by consistently holding them to a high standard of ethical behavior.

2. Set an example for your kids by being courteous and respectful to everyone you meet. Whenever they act rude to anyone, ask them how they'd feel if someone were that rude to them. Teach them to take an interest in kids who are different from them, whether it's another culture, a disability or the way they look.

3. Give your kids choices whenever you can, but hold them to their decisions. When he chooses to play soccer instead of baseball but decides he wants to quit because his best friend thinks he should, explain that he made a commitment. Make sure your kids understand that admitting they did something wrong is worth the consequences.

4. Tell your kids they're not always right. Character-building demands that they respect other people's point of view even if they don't agree with it. Guide them through reaching a fair resolution in quarrels with siblings and friends. Soothe their disappointment by saying they did the right thing.

5. Encourage your kids to keep their hearts open. It can be especially difficult when someone hurts their feelings. Emphasize that they should feel sorry for hurtful people because those people are expressing their own pain by being mean to others. Point out all the caring people in their lives and encourage your kids to think of them whenever someone hurts their feelings.

6. Get your kids involved in charity work to expose them to people less fortunate, while gaining new experiences. Convince them every time they do something for someone else, they're making the world a better place.

Tips & Warnings

• Be gentle with your kids. Character building is time-consuming; both you and the children need patience.

• Character Counts, a nonprofit organization that advocates character education, defines six key values that build character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Resources

• For character-building teaching tools.
• Find 52 character-building statements for kids here.
• Learn about teaching kids to be generous.