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Fostering Character Development in Teens: Generosity (cont.)

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James WellbornLeave a Comment

Teach it.  Generosity needs to be taught.  There are a number of skills that lead to generosity.  Manners are an important form of generosity.  Good manners are about being considerate, patient, tolerant and generous.  Opening doors for others, giving up your seat to someone older or physically challenged, waiting for everyone to be served before beginning to eat and politeness …

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Fostering Character Development in Teens: Courage, pt 2

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James WellbornLeave a Comment

Notice it.  What you characterize as courageous is important.  Who you consider to be heroic is important.  Again, while heroism is the easiest to spot it is the least relevant to helping your kid be courageous in their everyday life.  Heroism is rare by definition.  Courage is all around you.  It is on the news.  It is in your house.  …

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Fostering Character Development in Teens: Courage, part 1

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James WellbornLeave a Comment

def: (noun) continues to pursue what is right regardless of threat, difficulty, danger, or pain Courage is one of the more dramatic Character-istics.  One form, heroism, is immediately recognized by others.  These are the instances of rescue and protection and sacrifice that rise above the normal events of our lives.  While heroism is admirable, it is not achievable by most …

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Fostering Character Development in Teens: Compassion, pt 1

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James WellbornLeave a Comment

def. (noun) feeling deep sympathy and concern for the welfare of others Compassion is a Character-istic valued by every major religion and most spiritual and philosophical traditions.  It represents the impulse to tend to others when they are hurting and support them in times of difficulty.  Compassion is a crucial component of family functioning, friendships and intimate relationships.  With caring …

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Fostering Character Development in Teens: Introduction

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James WellbornLeave a Comment

Character is as important today as it has ever been.  The same things that make American culture the wonder of the world – freedom, wealth, luxury, opportunity, diversity, tolerance, abundance – can tempt teens to be impulsive, aimless, focused on immediate gratification, greedy and entitled.  Character is, and always has been, the antidote to these dead end life choices.  Character …

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Home As A Training Place

In The Blog by Dr James WellbornLeave a Comment

This was week 2 of being a part of the church service at Trinity Church (www.trinityspringhill.org).  This week Mack used Proverbs 22:6 to frame the discussion of the importance of training kids to be happy, loving and responsible adults who truly know God.  He focused on the importance of intentional parenting in fostering honesty; genuine, emotionally intimate relationships; benevolence and …