I thought we'd do a short...ish series on how to teach character qualities to our kids. That can be an overwhelming thought, especially if you're just starting down this road. Or maybe I should say, if you're starting intentionally down this road. I think most, if not all, mama's teach their kids character even if they don't think about it or don't think it's a needed thing.
What is a character quality? I googled it just to see what would come up. Just cuz I was curious. "Character traits are valued aspects of a person's behavior. Everyone has character traits, both good and bad, including our favorite fictional characters. Character traits are often labeled with descriptive adjectives such as patient, unfaithful, or jealous." It goes on to say that "Some character traits show a person's underlying values or beliefs." Then there was a long list of great character qualities such as generosity, loyalty, kindness, fairness.....I know many mama's who aren't Christ Followers who teach their kids these traits, and many more. Why? Because it makes you a great human being! And what mama doesn't want that?
For me, I want to teach my kids character because it's all throughout the Scriptures. Because it's what we see in GOD Himself. I do it because I want my kids to be godly. Christlike.
But how do I go about doing this? The first, I think I'd even say the more important, thing is for me personally to have these character traits. I could sit there all day and tell my kids not to respond in anger. Give them examples, show them from Scripture, memorize verses, but if I don't set an example for them, they won't really ever learn that lesson.
I need to focus on myself, not neglect my kids training, but my main focus should be on myself. I have grown soooo much since I've had kids. And the more kids I've had, the more I grew. I haven't mastered never displaying anger, but I have come so far. It's exciting to see how the LORD has worked in my life.
Anger is probably the most thought of character quality when it comes to mom's...ya know "not being that angry mom". What are some others character qualities we should have?
Punctuality
Patience
Joyfulness
Peace
Self-control
Gentleness
We could go on and on and on, couldn't we?
In the future we'll talk about practical ways to teach these character qualities, but for today, just remember - it starts with you, mama. Have predictability of character today. Even just pick one character to work on today, no matter what it is. Decide you're going to set a good example for your kids and not just tell them how they should be acting, but *show* them. Take them, and yourself, back to Christ and His Word. Use teaching your kids as a reminder to yourself. Don't be afraid to tell your kids that you're struggling with a certain character. You could even ask them for help. Let's use anger as an example. You could come up with a weird code word, like "fish scales" or whatever! Give your kids permission to call that code word out when they see you struggling and becoming angry. It might diffuse the situation. And might give everyone the giggles.
Don't grow weary, Mama! Even if you fail more than you succeed today, don't grow weary. Keep trying. Keep clinging to Christ. Keep asking Him for help. And wake tomorrow with the goal of working even harder and being predictable in your character.
What is a character quality? I googled it just to see what would come up. Just cuz I was curious. "Character traits are valued aspects of a person's behavior. Everyone has character traits, both good and bad, including our favorite fictional characters. Character traits are often labeled with descriptive adjectives such as patient, unfaithful, or jealous." It goes on to say that "Some character traits show a person's underlying values or beliefs." Then there was a long list of great character qualities such as generosity, loyalty, kindness, fairness.....I know many mama's who aren't Christ Followers who teach their kids these traits, and many more. Why? Because it makes you a great human being! And what mama doesn't want that?
For me, I want to teach my kids character because it's all throughout the Scriptures. Because it's what we see in GOD Himself. I do it because I want my kids to be godly. Christlike.
But how do I go about doing this? The first, I think I'd even say the more important, thing is for me personally to have these character traits. I could sit there all day and tell my kids not to respond in anger. Give them examples, show them from Scripture, memorize verses, but if I don't set an example for them, they won't really ever learn that lesson.
I need to focus on myself, not neglect my kids training, but my main focus should be on myself. I have grown soooo much since I've had kids. And the more kids I've had, the more I grew. I haven't mastered never displaying anger, but I have come so far. It's exciting to see how the LORD has worked in my life.
Anger is probably the most thought of character quality when it comes to mom's...ya know "not being that angry mom". What are some others character qualities we should have?
Punctuality
Patience
Joyfulness
Peace
Self-control
Gentleness
We could go on and on and on, couldn't we?
In the future we'll talk about practical ways to teach these character qualities, but for today, just remember - it starts with you, mama. Have predictability of character today. Even just pick one character to work on today, no matter what it is. Decide you're going to set a good example for your kids and not just tell them how they should be acting, but *show* them. Take them, and yourself, back to Christ and His Word. Use teaching your kids as a reminder to yourself. Don't be afraid to tell your kids that you're struggling with a certain character. You could even ask them for help. Let's use anger as an example. You could come up with a weird code word, like "fish scales" or whatever! Give your kids permission to call that code word out when they see you struggling and becoming angry. It might diffuse the situation. And might give everyone the giggles.
Don't grow weary, Mama! Even if you fail more than you succeed today, don't grow weary. Keep trying. Keep clinging to Christ. Keep asking Him for help. And wake tomorrow with the goal of working even harder and being predictable in your character.
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