CHARACTER COUNTS! IN IOWA families

Use of the Six Pillars of Character at home provides an environment of high expectations on the behavior and attitude of youth, while providing a caring and nurturing relationship with the most important influence on a child's character, their family. The use of the Pillars helps the child see the relationship between home and school expectations as it relates to parental rules, home responsibilities (i.e. chores) and the interactions between adults and children in the home. It also provides a basis for enlightening discussions in those moments when a child's decision (whether good or questionable) can be a great "teachable moment".

Get Started Today!

• Download our Parent's Guide to the Six Pillars of Character (also available in spanish)

Resources

• Download Resources & Tools great materials for families, including a Kids Coloring Book

Parenting Tips for Teaching Character

Use the T.E.A.M. Method:

Teach: Parents play a major role in teaching children the importance of character.

Enforce: Reward good behavior with praise and discourage inappropriate behavior with fair consequences to show you are serious about character. Most of all, be consistent.

Advocate: Be assertive about the importance of being a person of character. Make it clear that you expect your children to be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring and good citizens.

Model: Always set a good example in what you say and do. Hold yourself to the highest standard of character by honoring the pillars. When you don't live up to your best standards, be accountable, apologize and vow to do better.

Use the 3 Cs.

Be Consistent. The messages you give your children should be clear, consistent and repeated frequently.

Be Concrete. Teach character using examples that your children can relate to and have experienced themselves.

Be Creative. Capitalize on the "teachable moment". Use good and bad movies, TV shows, the news, games, role-plays and every day life to teach character development.

 

How Does CHARACTER COUNTS! help you be a better parent?

"Don't worry that children never listen to you. Worry that they are always watching you." -Robert Fulghum