Character Building by Designing Parents
Think carefully about what your child needs when you teach right
from wrong. Research reveals 92% of high school students say
they are satisfied with their own ethics and character, yet 1/4
admit stealing within the past year. (Josephson Institute of
Ethics)
You gave your child the gift of life. Give your child character
too. The method below offers you a Character Building Activity.
I remember counseling with an overworked mom who gave very
little time to her daughter. The police caught 10-year old
Jessica shoplifting not once but twice. Children who steal at an
early age may be filling a hole in their hearts - lack of time
with their parents. Find out how Jessica's mom used the 3- D
Activity below to stop Jessica from becoming a habitual
shoplifter.
3-D Activity:
Discover - Jessica's mom questioned, listened well, and
discovered how Jessica thought and felt. She learned that
Jessica did have a hole in her heart.
Decide -
Jessica's mom decided to help Jessica change her mind about
stealing toys and candy to fill that hole.
Design -
Jessica's mom designed a plan to fill her daughter's heart with
a loving bond.
The Plan:
Jessica's mom taught Jessica how to make salads and start the
dinner. When she came home from work, they continued making the
meal together. While sharing this task, they chatted about their
day. Jessica's mother gave Jessica more praise, hugs, and
kisses. They also drank bedtime tea together. How could these
changes solve Jessica's shoplifting problem?
The Change:
Jessica had felt cast aside, unimportant, and unloved before
her mom took time with her. As her mom thought carefully about
Jessica's needs and used the 3-D Activity, Jessica grew
connected. When her mom took time to share, listen and do tasks
together, Jessica's heart filled with a bonding love. When her
mom sipped bedtime tea with her, Jessica stopped stealing candy
and toys to make herself feel whole. Jessica's a teenager now,
and to my knowledge, she hasn't stolen since.
The Nutshell:
To think carefully about what your child needs when you teach
right from wrong: Discover how your child thinks and
feels.
Decide what thoughts and feelings need
improvement.
Design a plan that helps your child
grow.
Use this 3-D Activity often to insure your child
becomes a person of character and not a disappointing statistic.