We want to be practical with children. That means that we give specific instructions about what we want them to do, not just what they shouldn't do. One way to be practical as we help children develop character is to use working definitions. We use these a lot in our counseling to help children understand life more. Here are some examples, but you can be creative and think of many more.
Obedience is doing what someone says, right away, without being reminded.
Honor is treating people as special, doing more than what's expected, and having a good attitude.
Perseverance is hanging in there even after you feel like quitting.
Attentiveness is showing people you love them by looking at them when they say their words.
Patience is waiting with a happy heart.
Self-discipline is putting off present rewards for future benefits.
Gratefulness is being thankful for the things I have instead of grumbling about the things I don't have.
You don't have to use them all. Just choose the one that your child needs right now and teach how to put that character quality into practice. Put them up around the house. This is a very positive way to give kids a vision for what you want.
This tip comes from the book, Home Improvement, The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
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