A child’s character is their unique combination of personality traits, values, and behaviours that shape who they are. Common character traits include kindness, resilience, self-control, empathy, honesty, perseverance, responsibility, curiosity, and open-mindedness. Building a child’s character is an integral part of parenting, as it can help them develop important qualities. Let’s look at ways parents can help nurture their children’s character.

Lead by example

Children often learn by watching their parents. Therefore, parents need to model the behaviours they want their children to exhibit. To teach kindness, show kindness in your words and actions. If you want your children to be resilient, demonstrate how you overcome challenges.

Encourage positive behaviour

When children exhibit positive behaviour, such as showing kindness or demonstrating self-control, it’s essential to acknowledge and praise them. It helps reinforce those behaviours and encourages children to continue exhibiting them. Be sure to praise children for good qualities they have shown rather than using generic praise or highlighting good actions only. “I’m proud of you for showing thoughtfulness by picking up your litter” encourages the motive behind their actions, as opposed to “Well done! You picked up your litter.”

Provide opportunities for growth

Giving children opportunities to learn and grow can help build their character. This could include encouraging them to try new things, allowing them to make mistakes and learn from them, or exposing them to new experiences and perspectives. Always make time for your child to reflect on each new experience with you by asking questions and listening attentively – giving them a safe space to process their thoughts and feelings will help them become emotionally mature.

Teach problem-solving skills

Encouraging children to solve problems independently can help build their resilience and self-control. You can help them by teaching problem-solving skills, such as brainstorming solutions, weighing pros and cons, and considering the impact of their actions. When you make decisions, take time to explain the reasons behind your choice so that they have a better understanding of how to weigh options and make decisions on their own.

Foster empathy

Empathy is a vital part of building children’s socio-emotional capabilities. Parents can help foster empathy in their children by encouraging them to see things from other people’s perspectives, asking them how they think others might feel, and teaching them to treat others as they would like to be treated.

Set clear expectations

Children need clear expectations and boundaries to develop self-control. Parents can help by setting clear rules and consequences for disobedience, and enforcing them consistently. Clear boundaries help children know that you are not arbitrary in disciplining them, and teaches them to respect other people’s limits. 

Encourage independence

Allowing children to make decisions and take responsibility for their actions can help build their self-control and independence. Parents can encourage independence by giving their children age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities and providing guidance and support as needed.

Teach gratitude

Teaching children to be grateful can help them develop positive character traits such as empathy and kindness. Parents can help by encouraging their children to express gratitude, modelling gratitude in their behaviour, and providing opportunities for children to give back to their community.

Encourage positive social connections

Children with positive social connections with family and friends are likelier to develop positive character traits such as kindness and empathy. Parents can encourage positive social connections by providing opportunities for children to socialise with their peers outside of school and modelling healthy relationships.

Teach coping skills

Resilience is an important character trait that can help children navigate challenges and setbacks. Parents can teach coping skills such as mindfulness, positive self-talk, and problem-solving to help children develop emotional resilience.

Nurturing character takes time and effort, but is fundamental to setting your child up for success in life. Building the right foundations in character helps your child grow in maturity, confidence and resourcefulness, which can greatly improve their ability to handle challenges during life transitions or in their teenage years.

New Life Student Care in Woodlands is passionate about helping our children build and nurture their character foundations. Find out more about our character values framework here!