How to Instill Conviction & Character in Children
Most parents want their offspring to grow up with a strong set of moral values, or "character." They also want their children to have healthy convictions, which are strong beliefs or opinions about themselves, others or various issues. These values and convictions should be instilled in children at an early age,
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Instructions
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Tips To Help Build Character and Conviction In Children
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Make parenting your first priority as you plan to teach your child the importance of having strong values. This not only includes devoting time to being a good parent but also determining how to include your children in your social life.
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Set a good example for your child. The development of a child's character is directly related to the intensity of his parents' values. As he observes his parents in an everyday setting, he is also more apt to absorb the beliefs or convictions of the parents as well as how to respond to those beliefs.
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Notice the outside influences on your children, whether they be from music, television, friends or the Internet. Monitor the various media sources that could be sending immoral messages to influence them. By doing so, you can change those sources to those that send positive messages, while explaining to your children why you have done so.
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Teach your children the difference between right and wrong actions as well as the consequences of each. This should be done in clear language that they can understand. If a child must be punished, such punishment should be reasonable, and explained to the child. Explain that the punishment is being carried out with parental love. If punishments are consistent with a given infraction, a child is more apt to develop lasting convictions about right and wrong actions.
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Create an open and creative dialogue with your children. Allow them to speak with you about matters that are important to them. Listen intently and respond to them constructively, which will help your child make sound decisions on his own. If his positive attributes are emphasized in a sincere manner and from an early age, the child is more able to build a positive belief or conviction about himself.
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Involve yourself in a community that reflects positive moral character. When you take your children out for any venture, allow them to give their opinion and make specific, independent decisions. This not only allows them to practice the skills they will need as adults and exhibits a certain amount of trust, but also gives them the opportunity to exercise their own convictions in public.
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Tips & Warnings
Enjoy family meals together in order to establish a strong rapport with your children. During the meal you can not only transact any family business with them but also reinforce family values. According to Reference 1, good manners as well as positive rules can be instilled in a subtle way during the family meal as children are more apt to remember these for many years.
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