Wanted! 5 Parenting Tips that Build Character in Kids

How do you build character in your child? Do you know which questions to ask? Inside you'll find 5 questions that unlock the key to character. Why not ask them today?

As a counselor, I was asked to observe a boy I'll call Harold. His classmates said he was the worst troublemaker in his 5th grade class. His neighborhood kids didn't like him either.

Let's pretend Harold lives in your neighborhood. He just wrecked your child's bike and blamed it on your child. Why don't you practice discussing Harold's problems with your child right now?

Center your discussion on the five key goals and questions listed below.

1. Parenting Tip - Empathy

Being aware of and caring about another's feelings.

Question - If you were Harold, how would you feel about getting caught?

2. Parenting Tip - Role-Taking

Putting oneself into another's shoes and understanding where they are coming from.

Question - What do you think Harold wanted by blaming you for wrecking your bike?

3. Parenting Tip - Social Awareness

Being aware of others' opinions, needs, likes, and dislikes.

Question - What would most kids say about Harold's troublesome behavior?

4. Parenting Tip - Self Reflection

Examining our own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Question - Have you ever blamed someone for something you did? How did you feel about yourself?

5. Parenting Tip - Internalizing Good Advice

Taking to heart the advice your child gives to others and following it when he or she needs it.

Question - If you could give Harold good advice, what would you tell him?

In this activity you've just examined the goals to instill and the questions to ask. I hope you had fun practicing with your child. If you were to go to Harold's family about the broken bike right now, I bet you and your child would handle the problem with less anger, more wisdom, and character.

Parenting Tips for Other Situations in which to Ask the Same Questions

1. Problems with the neighborhood kids
2. Problems about characters on TV
3. Problems at home
4. Problems in discussion stories like the ones in my book, Character Building on BackTalk Street. Available Exclusively at www.KidsDiscuss.com

Parenting Tips Conclusion

If you're like most busy parents, just remember the questions and ask them often. Enjoy building character in the young hearts and growing minds of your precious children.