Mindful Monday-Character

Character. It’s what people think of you, it’s who you are. Are you truthful with yourself? Do you indeed do the right thing, even if it’s difficult, or, even when nobody else is looking? The more you build your own character on a firm foundation and practice it daily, the more it becomes the fibers of your being. How does one acquire character? Are we born with it? The truth is, we are not born with character! We must learn it, build upon it and grow into it. And, that’s a good thing!

I recently read: “Human personality is 30–60% heritable according to twin and adoption studies. Hundreds of genetic variants are expected to influence its complex development, but few have been identified.” I myself am a twin, we’re not identical and we’re very different. However, at the end of the day, our hearts are always in the same place.

I also recently read: “Moral character is formed by one's actions. The habits, actions, and emotional responses of the person of good character all are united and directed toward the moral and the good.” Read that again, habits, actions and emotional responses. How we present oneself through this is how our character is formed. Therefore, it is so important to be a role model for our children, AT AN EARLY AGE. While you’re in the midst of the storm if you will, while raising your family, we all get lost, go off the beaten path, BUT, they are watching how we react! They are listening to what we say! They are modeling our very behaviors! This is why it’s important to be of good character, make it a habit to be of good character, be aware of your character, your reactions, your responses, your words, your thoughts. For what they are is who you will become and who your child most likely would like to be like as well.

I’ve shared this story before but think it’s a good analogy while raising our families. When we were younger (married 41 years already) he was in construction, he built structures and remodeled homes. I was a stay at home mom, I took other children in to watch and worked part time in the evenings at a local grocery store. I was home all day with the our children and I would never change it for anything! However, let’s be honest, some days were better than others and so to explain it to him so he would understand it more clearly, I simply said this: “You go to work everyday, you have a plan, you’re building something with your hands and at the end of the day you can step back and see the progress that you’ve made.” Me, I put my heart and soul into each and everyday raising our three children and I have no idea what the outcome is going to be! We do our best as a parent, we want the best for our children as a parent and as a parent, it is up to us to teach our own children what it means to have character. Like I said before, some days are better than others, but none the less, it is a daily work of progress and when you provide your child with a firm foundation to build on, you’re doing your best, I promise.

This week I wanted to share some of my favorite Mindful Monday blogs and hope you’ll engage in them, print out the free resources and use them with your own family. Characters of Character is a small nonprofit. We volunteer our time daily to provide this content to you in hopes that together we will make a difference in the life of a child.

Choices are important. This helps a child become aware of making a better decision and dealing with the outcome. Teaching a child to be responsible sets them up for making better choices, too! When a child is aware of their choices and their responsibilities, they become determined to learn more or to do better! A child needs to be exposed to healthy habits in order to understand them, and they also should be allowed to use their imagination through different activities to help build good character. Did you know that when a child feels confident they have self-esteem and are more likely to engage in new activities and want to learn new things because they feel brave! Is your child brave? Let’s face it, there is always time for good behavior! Behavior Bear has been known to ask; “what does BEHAVE mean?” How many times have you shouted this out to your own family! I have many times raising our children. Should you BEHAVE when you’re coloring? Yes! The answer is ‘Yes’. You can make a paper bag puppet of Behavior Bear with your family and let them use their imagination and put on a puppet show! I feel that when we are aware of something, we become more focused which is another way to build good character. Plus, with a good attitude we are more open to learning and commit oneself to growth and building healthy habits! It is up to us to nurture our children into growth. After all, your character matters! Let them be curious, let them wonder, teach them to be courageous and teach them to be grateful. I can’t emphasize enough that when they are confident they build their self-esteem which is such a good thing! It takes perseverance to build ones character, it supports the journey in making good friends, too.

Once a child has a firm foundation, when they have a grasp on what it means to have presence, become more mindful and never be a bully. Plus, one step forward is progress and a step in the right direction! Wishing you well on this journey to impact and engage your children in being the best they can be in their own good character! I believe that they will accomplish all they set out to be!

TELL me and I forget, TEACH me and I remember, INVOLVE me and I learn. Benjamin Franklin

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Teaching Children About the Holidays

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Mindful Monday-Time