Character Traits for Kids

Learning to get along with others and work as a team is an essential skill for everyone to learn.  The concept of “cooperation” is first learned through the family.  The home is a place where everyone has a part to play.  Kids can start by helping around the house, encouraging other family members, and seeing first-hand the importance of teamwork…. {read more}

I will never forget the glint in his eye as he let go of that fireman’s pole at the playground, just as soon as his feet touched the ground.  He had wanted to try to go down that pole so many times before, but always backed away.  This time was different and he went down all by… {read more}

Responsibility is doing what needs to be done and taking ownership for your actions.  Though it is often equated with cleaning up after yourself, getting homework done, and learning how to spend money – there are many more ways for kids to practice this virtue. Lately I have been recognising many opportunities in my life… {read more}

As with any virtue we are trying to help our kids develop, teaching respect all starts with how we practice the virtue in our own daily lives.  Children are likely to copy what their parents do, so brainstorming ways to be a positive role model is a great place to start.  Here are a few… {read more}

I think it is so wonderful and empowering to remember that joyfulness is a virtue… we can actively choose to be joyful and practice joyfulness even when there are challenges we’re facing during our day. This is, of course, much easier said than done.  When you are running late and everyone is still getting dressed,… {read more}

As with any character trait, I think teaching kids about gratitude begins with us.  When we see blessings in the everyday and try to remember what we have (versus what we want), our children will likely imitate us. You can read my thoughts about fostering gratitude throughout the journey of motherhood here and here. Starting conversations… {read more}

One reason parents think about teaching character traits to kids is so that they can help their children get along well with others.  Being a good friend consists of so many virtues: truthfulness, courtesy, kindness, forgiveness, and the list goes on. When we think about teaching friendliness, then, where do we start? I think one of the… {read more}