Children are growing up in a fast-paced, transitional society with rapidly changing expectations and values. As parents, it is necessary for us to transfer Christian values and guidelines to our children. When compromising situations occur, we need to allow our children the freedom to talk with us in order to teach them the importance of making wise decisions.
Here are some ways to develop character growth in your children:
1. Practice the principles you want your children to embrace. If you want them to learn it, you need to live it.
2. Listen to your children and pray with them about difficult circumstances and concerns just before they go to bed.
3. Prepare a special meal and time of dedication for a child or family member who is embarking on a new venture.
4. Encourage your child to keep a diary or prayer journal.
5. Invite your child's workers or Sunday School workers for dessert or dinner.
6. Create a Swine Fine jar to reinforce proper behavior and etiquette. Anyone caught using bad language or inappropriate behavior deposits a quarter and signs his/her name. At the end of the month, the person with the least offenses gets all the quarters. Mom and Dad need to play too.
7. Use Start the Day off Right Family Table Talks. Read a famous quote and a Bible verse that teaches applicable principles. Ask your children what they think it means.
8. Ask your children what they would do in different situations that test their values. Discuss an emergency game plan with them.
9. Watch movies that allow you to discuss valuable principles. Make sure they are age appropriate.
Have a great time this school year with your children.