5 Reasons to Help Children Build Character

When I became a mother, I knew one of my highest priorities was helping my children develop good character.  Teaching about character is such a huge topic however that there have been many questions along the way.  In my series Getting Started: Raising Kids with Character I am exploring some of these questions and welcoming the input of readers, so we can all learn from each other.

This post is exploring the following question:

Why do you believe it is important to help children build character?

I think character affects each and every moment of our day: what we think, how we respond to people, and ultimately what we do with our lives.  Therefore focusing on living by our values allows us to make healthy decisions and lead meaningful lives.  I would love to empower my children with a positive perspective on celebrating and improving their character every day.

Here are some answers from readers about why they are working to build character at home:

Bringing out their best

“My daughter has a beautiful light.   It is my job to show her how to let that light warm and glow for the benefit of those she comes in contact with.” -Susan

Facing challenges with mindfulness

“I believe it is important for children to build character to be able to get through life with a good attitude in order to be able to handle all the bumps and bruises along the way.  If children are built up in character they won’t see life in a negative way and will have the emotional capabilities to be able to take the good with the bad.  If they are able to do this, they will be much nicer people to be around, and will be more mindful of others and their feelings.” -Tara

Making choices with integrity

“I believe it’s important to build character traits in children so they have a developed moral compass and to keep others from taking advantage of them. If they know how to behave with integrity and compassion then they will foster that in their lives, choose to be friends with similar valued people, and foster those same traits in their future families.” -Michelle

Living a life of true fulfillment

“Virtuous thought and action provide avenues for children to feel REAL fulfillment, not that found in things of materialistic nature. We are here to love, to fill others’ lives with love, and to be loved in return. Let’s enable them to do that.” -Aysha

Contributing to create a better world

“Developing and nurturing good character in my children helps me to feel that my job as a mother will leave an enduring presence and ripple effect not only in this next generation but in those of my grandchildren, great grandchildren and beyond. In a world, too full of takers and that encourages and rewards the selfish, our children of good character will lead and empower all those they meet in the revolution for world change by love, peace and true acceptance.” -Margaret

Find more answers in the comment section of this post.

Do you have thoughts to add?  Why do you think character development is an important area to focus on as a parent?

If you are looking for practical ideas for building character through everyday family life, you  may like to check out my ebook How to Build Character at Home.