In this crazy world we live in, sometimes it seems like common sense ideas have gone out the window. If that observation frustrates you, as it frustrates me, you may be wondering what a person can do about our modern lives. In fact, you may be wondering if there is anything a person can do to contribute to social order and lessen the chaos. Stand up for decency and not contribute to the overflow of moral garbage.
If you are a parent, the answer is a resounding yes.
As a parent, you have an incredible influence on the next generation growing up in your home right now. In fact, you have more power than all the politicians, world leaders, and movers and shakers combined.
All you have to do is believe that teaching children to tell the truth, to be respectful, to learn self-discipline, and to exercise self-control are good things. Even vital things.
It’s called character development and with it, we can rock our world.
It is true that these are not new ideas. History is replete with a cast of players who both appreciated and rejected character development. But one thing we have forgotten today is that the family is still the place where those values are taught…or lost.
The family is where people learn to think of others… or only themselves.
The family is where the future is formed.
Now, so you don’t think this part of parenting is optional, I’d like to point out something we all know, but often don’t think about.
Whether we focus on character development in our family or ignore it entirely, training happens anyway.
You do not believe me? Just think of your own childhood. It doesn’t matter if you consider your upbringing stellar or horrible, has it affected you as an adult? Have you spent time trying to overcome certain aspects of your education? Are there parts of your childhood training that absolutely got you to where you are today?
We cannot escape our childhood training. Good or bad. Happy or sad. We are destined to spend the rest of our lives living through those years or working through them.
Now, come back to the present. If you are a parent and can see that quality behavior flows from quality human beings, then you have a responsibility to do all you can to introduce quality character development to your children.
This has nothing to do with money or how far you got in school. Those things are nice and can sometimes help, but they are never the determining factor. As the leader of your family, modeling how to adopt a strong work ethic, insisting on a culture of personal responsibility in your home, and teaching children to tell the truth are much, much more important parenting jobs than providing everyone with a separate bedroom. or the latest generation electronic equipment.
More than the best schools, character development will help your children rise to the top.
More than participating in a dizzying array of after-school activities, character development will give your children the tools they need to succeed in this crazy world.
And interestingly, a home focused on character development will often produce a more satisfying and rewarding parenting experience as well.
Do you want to win the parenting game? Make patient and loving character training the centerpiece of your home for both you and your children.
