Building good character in kids prepares them for success in life. There are many positive traits we want to instill in children to help them become well-rounded human beings and active contributors to society. Experts have identified seven core character traits that are universally valuable for kids to develop.
What are character traits?
Character traits are qualities or characteristics that make up and inform a person’s personality. They influence how a person thinks, acts, and behaves. Character traits are often labeled as either good (positive) or bad (negative).
Good or positive character traits are qualities like honesty, integrity, and kindness. People with these positive traits are more likely to make ethical decisions. They care about others and making the world a little bit better.
Bad or negative character traits include things like greed, cruelty, and selfishness. People with these negative qualities are more concerned with their own interests.
The character traits a child develops can shape the adult they grow into. That’s why it’s so important to teach kids positive traits and lead by example. The earlier we instill good values, the more likely they are to stick.
Why are character traits important for kids?
There are many reasons why strong positive character is important for kids:
- Builds self-esteem and confidence
- Allows them to become active, contributing members of society
- Helps them make ethical choices
- Teaches them right from wrong
- Helps them be kind, honest, and trustworthy
- Gives them a moral compass to guide their decisions
Kids with good character are more likely to stand up for what’s right. They are better equipped to deal with life’s challenges and make smart decisions. Their good qualities rub off on those around them, creating more positivity.
Overall, developing strong character helps children grow into honorable adults who add value to the world. That’s why focusing on character traits is just as important as teaching academic skills.
7 Core Character Traits for Kids
There are many positive character traits we should instill in kids. Here are 7 of the most essential ones to focus on:
1. Respect
Respect means showing care and consideration for people, creatures, and the environment. Kids who respect others are polite, use good manners, and are thoughtful. They value differences and listen to varying opinions.
Ways to teach respect:
- Model it in your interactions with others
- Discuss how to be respectful in different situations
- Highlight examples of respectful behavior
- Praise kids when they demonstrate respect
- Remind them to consider different perspectives
2. Responsibility
Being responsible means taking ownership of your actions and following through on your commitments. Responsible kids can be counted on to get things done. They take their duties seriously and don’t shirk obligations.
Ways to teach responsibility:
- Give them age-appropriate chores
- Expect them to keep their space clean
- Ask them to help with tasks around the house
- Teach them to fulfill their commitments
- Explain that their actions have consequences
3. Honesty
Honesty involves being truthful, trustworthy, and sincere. Honest kids don’t lie, cheat, or steal. They act with integrity even when it’s hard. Developing honesty helps kids form healthy relationships and make ethical choices.
Ways to teach honesty:
- Don’t tell “little white lies” in front of them
- Encourage them to tell the truth – even when they’ve made a mistake
- Discuss why honesty and trustworthiness are important
- Reward truthfulness; don’t overly punish minor transgressions
- Be a role model for sincerity
4. Kindness
Kindness means being considerate, caring, helpful, and understanding towards others. Kind kids are compassionate, generous, and thoughtful. Developing kindness teaches kids empathy.
Ways to teach kindness:
- Model kindness through your actions
- Teach them to care for pets responsibly
- Suggest ways they can help people in need
- Share stories that illustrate compassion
- Praise good deeds and generous behavior
5. Leadership
Good leaders are people others want to follow. Leadership involves confidence, courage, and the ability to guide and inspire. Teaching leadership helps kids become motivated team players.
Ways to teach leadership:
- Put them in charge of projects
- Recognize examples when they take initiative
- Encourage them to set a good example
- Allow them to mentor younger siblings
- Praise them for being organized, focused, and motivational
6. Gratitude
Grateful kids understand how to be thankful for the good things in life. They appreciate what they have without feeling entitled. Learning gratitude helps kids feel positive emotions like joy and contentment.
Ways to teach gratitude:
- Model saying “please” and “thank you”
- Discuss things you are grateful for together
- Suggest writing thank you notes to show appreciation
- Remind them to thank others for gifts and kindness
- Pay attention to their strengths and give specific praise
7. Perseverance
Perseverance is the ability to keep going despite obstacles. Kids with perseverance don’t give up easily. They see challenges as opportunities to learn. Developing perseverance helps kids build resilience and self-confidence.
Ways to teach perseverance:
- Help them see mistakes as learning experiences
- Recognize when they push through setbacks
- Suggest strategies for breaking big goals into smaller steps
- Remind them of times they successfully persevered
- Discuss people who achieved success by not giving up
Instilling these 7 character traits in children at a young age will help set them up for a lifetime of good choices and positive contributions. With patience and consistency, you can teach kids respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness, leadership, gratitude, and perseverance. Their character development is worth the effort!
Tips for Building Character
Here are some helpful tips for developing strong character traits in your kids or students:
- Be a role model. Children will mirror the traits and behaviors they see consistently in adults.
- Make ethics a frequent topic of conversation. Discuss why certain qualities are important.
- Use media to illustrate traits. Find examples in books, films, and TV shows.
- Apply traits to current events. Talk about news stories that highlight good or poor character.
- Look for teachable moments. Use everyday life interactions to emphasize positive values.
- Be consistent in enforcing rules. Don’t allow bad behaviors to slide one day and not the next.
- Offer praise and rewards for good conduct. Recognize times when they demonstrate positive traits.
- Allow natural consequences for poor choices. Don’t overly punish minor incidents.
- Share stories about ethical role models. Highlight admirable figures and their virtues.
- Suggest ways they can show positive traits. Offer fun ideas for practicing kindness, responsibility, etc.
The more intentional you are about teaching character, the more ingrained these traits will become in children. Be consistent, offer plenty of praise and modeling, and find ways to make values fun. With time and effort, you can raise kids with outstanding character.
Character Traits Lead to Success
There is a clear correlation between developing positive character traits in childhood and achieving success as an adult. Kids who embody values like respect, responsibility, integrity, and perseverance are more likely to do well academically, have positive social relationships, and realize their career aspirations.
Some key reasons why character leads to success include:
- Makes kids work hard. Traits like perseverance help kids put in consistent effort.
- Builds confidence and self-esteem. Character teaches kids to believe in themselves.
- Promotes good choices. Traits like integrity help kids make wise decisions.
- Encourages healthy relationships. Respect and responsibility help kids get along well.
- Establishes moral compass. Honesty gives kids an ethical foundation.
- Develops leadership skills. Leadership teaches kids to guide and motivate.
- Shapes kids into engaged students and citizens. Character promotes participation and contribution.
- Prepares kids for demanding careers. Traits like dedication are valued in the workplace.
Employers, colleges, and community leaders look for applicants who demonstrate strong character. Developing these traits gives kids an advantage for whatever path they pursue in life. The effort parents put in to reinforce values pays off!
Famous Quotes About Character
Many influential figures throughout history have shared perspectives and wisdom about the importance of character:
| Quote | Speaker |
|---|---|
| “Character, not circumstances, makes the person.” – Booker T. Washington | Educator and civil rights activist |
| “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” – Abraham Lincoln | U.S. president |
| “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller | Deafblind author and activist |
| “The measure of your character is what you choose to do when you have the freedom to do anything.” – Bob Proctor | Author and personal development speaker |
| “Character is the result of two things: mental attitude and the way we spend our time.” – Elbert Hubbard | Writer and publisher |
| “Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.” – Albert Einstein | Theoretical physicist |
These influential people remind us that character determines who we become more than our circumstances. It’s built through trials and developed by how we spend our time. Character matters – not just our reputation. The strength of your character defines who you are.
Children’s Books About Character
One great way to teach kids about positive character traits is through books. Here are some classic children’s books that illustrate valuable qualities:
| Book Title | Author | Character Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte’s Web | E.B. White | Loyalty, honesty, kindness |
| The Giving Tree | Shel Silverstein | Generosity, gratitude |
| The Rainbow Fish | Marcus Pfister | Sharing, kindness, humility |
| The Lion and the Mouse | Aesop | Compassion, forgiveness |
| The Little Engine That Could | Watty Piper | Perseverance, optimism |
| Brave Irene | William Steig | Courage, responsibility |
| The Honest Truth | Dan Gemeinhart | Honesty, determination |
Reading these books together provides an engaging way to bring positive character traits to life. Discussing the stories gives you a chance to explain the importance of values like loyalty, courage, and honesty in ways kids understand. Make character education a part of your regular storytime or bedtime routine.
Conclusion
The seven core character traits of respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness, leadership, gratitude, and perseverance are essential for raising well-rounded kids of strong moral character. Developing these positive qualities early in childhood has a tremendous impact on choices and success later in life. Modeling good behavior, discussing ethics, reading character-building books, and recognizing positive traits in action are all effective ways to instill values. With consistent effort, we can teach our kids to become honorable human beings.