Teach it. Kindness is a combination of several different qualities you can help your kid develop. Here are some worth cultivating. Empathy. Kindness, like other prosocial Character-istics (e.g., Compassion, Generosity), requires understanding of others feelings; viewing things from their perspective. It is important to help your kid “walk a mile in their shoes.” Take the time to talk about how …
Fostering Character Development in Teens: Kindness
def. (noun) benevolent, considerate and helpful Kindness, particularly in the form of altruism, does a person good; so much so that it appears to be hard wired into our system. People who are mean and selfish are likely to be shunned; those who are kind, considerate and helpful are liked and valued. Acts of kindness reduce stress, increase the release …
New Year’s Eve
It’s the biggest party night of the year when everyone is encouraged to throw out the past and celebrate the wondrous possibilities inherent in a new beginning. Out with the old, in with the new! Put the past behind you. Look to the dawn of the very first day of a new year! Start the New Year with a bang! …
Encouraging Adolescent Career Interests
I spent some time with parents from Harvest Hands during our monthly parent discussion group talking about things parents can do to encourage their kid to be aware of and examine a wide range of possible career options. In between making kids pick up after themselves and breaking up sibling arguments, parents also need to help kids develop into happy, …
Fostering Character Development in Teens: Honesty, pt 2
Teach it (i.e., give direct moral instruction). There are a number of component skills that are a part of being an honest person. Kids need to know how to give an honest opinion. They can also benefit from learning how to be diplomatic about speaking honestly. Honest people also need to know how to set limits on what they are …
Fostering Character Development in Teens: Honesty, pt 1
def. (noun) sincere, frank, genuine, truthful In addition to learning how to behave appropriately in different social situations, establish a foundation for future employment, and develop meaningful close relationships, teens also need to create a foundation of universal moral principles to guide decision making throughout their lives. Honesty is one of these fundamental values. Honest people are sincere, frank, genuine, …
Fostering Character Development in Teens: Courage, pt 2
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. …
Fostering Character Development in Teens: Courage, part 1
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 …
Fostering Character Development in Teens: Compassion, pt 2
Expect it. It is important to let your kid know that you expect them to be compassionate in word and deed. When you notice a situation that calls for compassion, give your kid a nudge. Help them see how they could show compassion. When you can anticipate the need for compassion, let your kid know what you will be expecting …
Fostering Character Development in Teens: Compassion, pt 1
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 …