Character Traits by Setting the Example

Teaching character traits to kids empowers them. When I raised my own children, and when I work with other children as a substitute teacher, I like to show them the character traits I want them to attain by being a role model for them.

It’s important not only for adults to tell children the way they should behave, but also to set a good example for them. What good would it do if I told the children to be patient with each other and read them stories showing patience if I got impatient with them every time they didn’t do what I wanted them to do?

Young children learn everything from watching others in the world around them, and they are wonderful mimics. If your child isn’t behaving the way you’d like him to, take a good look at yourself before saying anything to him.

For example, if your children are arguing loudly with each other, stop and think about your behavior given a similar situation. If you tend to respond to every crisis by yelling, then your children will learn to handle problems that same way.

Once you’ve realized your own character flaws, you can work on them while teaching the same traits to your children.