| The simple answer is yes, character can be | | | | children who already hold negative values and |
| taught to children. They constantly pick up on | | | | beliefs? Yes, they can. It requires constant |
| things in their environment. In fact, you should | | | | exposure to a character building environment. |
| consciously aim to help develop your child's | | | | There is a chance they can replace their negative |
| character in a positive and consistent manner. | | | | belief system with something more positive. |
| Otherwise, you leave them more vulnerable to | | | | When focusing on character building, it will be |
| negative outside influences. | | | | most effective if you seize the opportunity to: |
| Children learn a lot and develop their character by | | | | · Strengthen the child's awareness of |
| following the examples you set. They judge you | | | | moral obligations and the outcome. Make them |
| by what you do, and not by what you say. They | | | | aware of the significance and consequences of |
| also form opinions about you based on what you | | | | the choices they make. |
| allow them to get away with. Whatever you say | | | | · Encourage their desire to do the right |
| or do will influence your child's character. The | | | | thing at the right time. |
| same is true for educators that work with young | | | | · Help them improve their ability to |
| kids and teens. Teachers also influence a child's | | | | foresee the outcome of their choices. |
| character development, at least while in the | | | | Can character be taught to children in a couple of |
| classroom. | | | | weeks? No, it takes time, commitment and |
| Character traits that can be taught directly or | | | | consistency. Be specific, explicit and direct when |
| indirectly include: | | | | giving messages about character values, good |
| · Caring | | | | attitude and conduct. The messages need to be |
| · Citizenship | | | | relevant to your child's life. Talk and listen to them |
| · Fairness | | | | about their friends, school and experiences. Then |
| · Respect | | | | apply character values to these situations to help |
| · Responsibility | | | | them understand more easily the importance of |
| · Trustworthiness | | | | character. |
| The big question is can character be taught to | | | | |