From out guest contributor, Dr. Michele Borba. Here are nine ways to stretch kids’ risk-taking muscles in our bubble-wrapped world, so they can face adversity and do the right thing: 1. Model courage. Kids who watch their parents stick their necks
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule Be tolerant of differences Use good manners, not bad language Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone Be considerate of the feelings of others Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements You don’t
The bottom line is the kids are watching us and they are copying–the good, the bad, and the very ugly things we say and do. Just in case you need any proof here are a few things our children pick up from watching us.
Expressing gratitude is one of the simplest ways to demonstrate caring to other individuals. Moreover, research shows that expressing gratitude has the added benefit of raising our happiness levels, making us more productive and healthier, especially if we make gratitude a habit.
When children can grasp another’s perspective, they are more likely to be empathetic, anticipate the other’s behavior or thinking, handle conflicts peacefully, be less judgmental, value differences, speak up for those who are victimized, and act in ways that are more helpful, comforting, and supportive of others.
Always listen to the advice given to you by your parents, and do not ignore them.
Listen before you speak. You may learn more that way.
Moral: Think twice before you act. You may save yourself from trouble.
Citizenship can be one of the more difficult Pillars of Character to define and teach.