Good character is not something you are born with. Good character development begins when you are a child, and it is essential that parents and teachers prioritize teaching positive character qualities.
Through activities, games, lessons, and real-world experiences, children can grow in character and understand how these important traits make them happier, more successful, and more resilient.
Teaching traits like kindness, respect, and responsibility also help children develop self-esteem, as well as moral and ethical values. When teaching these traits to children, adult role models should consider the following:
- Focus more on reinforcing the good traits rather than pointing out the bad ones.
- Offer children more positive ways to behave and react when they exhibit bad character traits.
- Talk to children about how these good traits will positively impact their lives and make them more successful.
- Set high (but age-appropriate) standards for children and make those standards clear and actionable.
- Use books and other literature with stories that reinforce positive character.
- Set a good example for children to emulate and breathe in.
Setting this good example means that adults should look at themselves to assess their own abilities and work to improve any areas where their traits may be weak. You need to be a good role model for children from the moment they are born.
Only in this way will children be able to know how they should behave correctly and how they can have good mental and emotional health. The character is part of the personality but it will help us to be well with our environment and with ourselves. Children to have a good character need a good example of it from their parents!