4 Effective Ways to Build Character in Children

To build character in your children you should embody the values you teach, make your children feel that you care for them, employ discipline strategies and explain the reasons behind them, and use different media as a source of learning.

Character is very important in order for an in individual to stand firm in the midst of crisis and problems that may come in one’s life. Having strong character allows men and women to get over difficulties, solve problems and learn from these experiences. This is the reason why children should be taught important character values such as responsibility, respect, integrity, honesty, nationalism and many others. Schools, churches, civic groups and even girls homes are just some of the organizations that integrate character building in their programs and instill different values in their members. Of course, you can allow your child to attend or participate in at least one of these organizations to help build character. But, remember that, first and foremost, character building must start in the family and within the home. Here are some ways to build character in children:

Embody the values you teach

The best way of instilling essential character traits in your children is to embody these values yourself. For instance, when you teach your children to develop respect for authority, you yourself should show them that you respect authority. Children are easily influenced, especially by the people who matter to them, like their family members, and they can easily emulate the everyday actions and behavior of their parents. It is very important that parents be consistent in the things they teach their children.

Make your children feel that you care for them

Parents should always make it a point to make their children feel that the reason why they are being disciplined and taught certain values is because their parents care for them. When children understand the underlying principles behind the things you teach them, it will be easier for them to follow your lead and not rebel against you. By making your children feel that you are concerned for their welfare, you can reach out to and connect more effectively with them which will make teaching them easier.

Employ discipline strategies and explain the reasons behind them

When children misbehave or make wrong decisions, it is important that parents employ a form of discipline. This will make children feel that they should always be responsible for their behavior and decisions and that there are consequences for their actions, both good and bad. But parents must not simply punish children for their wrongdoings. They should also explain to their children why such disciplinary measures are necessary and reiterate the values that the child violated.

Use different media as a source of learning

Schools use a variety of media like books, documentaries and visual aids to better reach out to students. Parents can also apply the same teaching techniques and use different media as a means of instilling good character values to their children. There are many books and movies that exhibit excellent character principles. Parents can show these to their children and can discuss the moral lessons with them afterward.

Character building is not the responsibility of a formal organization like school or church. Parents must learn to handle the responsibility of building character in their own children.