A key to character

A Great Idea…

“We need a clear recognition that character education depends on our relationship with our children and that character traits cannot be transmitted by words but must be conveyed by actions.” (Haim Ginott, Child Psychologist, in his book, Between Parent and Child, p. 79)

In Other Words…

We cannot teach our children to be polite, kindhearted, loving human beings with methods that are hard, thoughtless, and hurtful. Compassion creates compassion. Kindness encourages kindness. Respect builds respect. The great lessons of life are properly taught as our children see us reach toward greater civility and goodness—especially in our relationships with them!

How This Applies to You…

You will make mistakes as a parent. You will be unkind and impatient many times. This doesn’t have to undermine your parenting. When your children know that you value them and they see you working toward greater goodness, they will want to adopt the very best they see in you.

To Find Out More…

For an excellent (and free) program on parenting, see The Parenting Journey at www.arfamilies.org and if your children are younger than six, check out See the World Through My Eyes.

For more in-depth reading, we recommend Between Parent and Child by Dr. Haim Ginott or Soft-Spoken Parenting by H. Wallace Goddard.