Part I: “The Basics”

“Character is, for the most part, simply habit become fixed.”
C. H. Parkhurst

I love this quote. It is simple and to the point! To have great character which, by the way, GREATLY determines the course of our lives, is simply the application of certain habits that become “fixed” in our psyche. We then begin to act like we think. And the sooner we develop those certain habits, the better off we are on the road of life. Preparing a teen or tween to have great character [in addition to learning math, history, biology, and all of that other “fun” high school stuff ] will have a profound and lasting effect on their lives. And how do we prepare them? Well, we will talk about at least 20 ways to get them off to a great start in the area of character, but for right now, let’s talk about the very easy common sense things we all too often take for granted. Or, what I like to call….the “basic” stuff:

1. BE A MODEL! (Of good character that is): Your teens and tweens are around you a lot. And what they see regularly will surely rub off. Practice good character yourself and they will take it in like a sponge.

2. Have and Explain Values: Your tween or teen should have a very clear understanding of who you are and what you stand for. They need to also know WHY you believe what you believe. Morality is an issue that needs to be first discussed at home so when your teen or tween is out and about in the real world, they can make decisions from a firm (and positive) moral foundation.

3. Show R-E-S-P-E-C-T: It is hard for anyone to respect someone who does not respect others or their selves. Why should teens or tweens be any different? If you show constant and consistent respect for your spouse, your friends, your parents, your neighbors, or even the mailman, this will instill a respect attitude in your teen or tween. And guess what? You will more often than not get that respect shown to you in return.

4. Good “Home Training”: Home training is just another way of saying “having good manners”. Saying thank you, opening the door for an older person or lady, wiping up after they make a mess, putting things away when they are done using then, making up their bed, etc. etc. Sounds like pretty insignificant stuff, huh? Well, they are not. The enforcement of these very basic things have long reaching effects later on how a teen or tween may view life and/or treat others. As most things do…..it all starts at home.

Like I said earlier, these are the basics, but very important basics. We will talk about the importance of time in the next post. See ya then!

Blessings!

Traci

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