Ways Parents Can Teach Character
1. Modeling: Teach by example. Use appropriate language. Admit mistakes and seek
to correct them.
2. Provide good role models through books and movies. Watch together.
3. Call attention to moral issues in the newspaper and in the news.
4. Preach! Tell what you think about moral issues.
5. Set clear expectations, standards of conduct. State responsibilities.
6. Enforce consequences. Teach restitution, apologies, forgiveness.
7. Have family meetings to discuss moral issues. Listen to your children's moral
questions with respect and concern. Help your children to openly communicate
their feelings in an appropriate way. Listen. Create a safe environment for
discussion and resolution of issues.
8. Play games like Choices and Scruples.
9. Have a family project where you care for the less fortunate, clean up the
environment, donate time, food, clothes, money.
10. Put up mottos, signs, banners and posters. Put up pictures of heroes and
heroines.
11. Tell True Life Stories.
12. Celebrate success. Give personal encouragement and compliments.
13. Give your children opportunities to make choices and decisions. Help them
think clearly about consequences and values.
14. Teach courtesy.
15. Teach shared responsibility: chores, re-cycling, home upkeep, cleanliness
and order.
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