Parenting Tips: Family Values That Build Character in Kids

Family values build character in kids. Three family values that foster character development include attention, time, and education.

First Parenting Value - Listen with Attention

My friend, Claire, is a mother and a marriage counselor. Family values are important to Claire too.

This is one of Claire's parenting tips to build character in your kids:

Give your child your full attention. Listen without an agenda. Give your child all the time she or he needs to develop his or her thoughts.

Second Parenting Value - Be Involved in Your Child's Schooling

Family values are important to my friend, Beth. Beth is the office manager in one of our local elementary schools. Her school serves hundreds of children from many different countries, speaking various languages.

Beth says,

Help in your child's classroom. Help with your child's homework. Work with your child's teacher, whether your child is having a school problem or is having a problem. If you form a partnership with your child's teacher, you will build character in your child.

Many parents don't get involved in their child's schooling because they don't realize the value of their own participation. Participating means making sure homework is completed before play, TV, and videos. Getting involved in schooling and homework demonstrates family values that build character in kids.

Third Parenting Value - Spend Time with Your Kids

Fred Rogers, the beloved host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, dedicated his life to nurturing children's emotional and social development through kindness and connection.

I believe that if children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.

- Fred Rogers

Fred Rogers wasn’t just a television personality—he was also a trained minister and child development expert who used his show to model deep listening, compassion, and the value of simply being present. His legacy lives on as a gentle reminder that children need adults who see them, hear them, and spend time with them.

Parents must be involved in their children's lives. Listen parents, I know it's difficult to be involved when there are so many things on your mind. It's easy to think your child's thoughts are not that important when you are busy.

Here is a 10-10-10 rule that I heard from my toastmaster friend, Walter. If you are busy and your child wants to talk, or asks you to attend a game, or go to a school event, consider asking yourself the following questions.

The 10-10-10 Rule

The 10-10-10 Rule for Parental Involvement

• Will not listening to my child be important 10 minutes from now?
• Will not listening to my child be important 10 months from now?
• Will not listening to my child be important 10 years from now?

One more thing, if you develop the habit of not listening, why would your child ever seek your advice? Imagine the turbulent teenage years. Who will your child be speaking with then? When you're tempted to attend to your many tasks and not your child, consider Claire's advice, Beth's counsel, and Mr. Rogers.