How to Intentionally Build Character in your Kids while Social Distancing
What a crazy turn of events March has had for 2020! All of our lives and daily routines have been affected in some way by COVID-19. As we practice #socialdistancing and try to help #flattenthecurve, how can families take this time to intentionally build character in their kids?
You might be thinking, “Schools are canceled and my kids are home 24/7; we’re just trying to not drive each other insane!” Believe me, we get that. Intentionally investing into your child’s character development doesn’t have to take hours of preparation or long grueling work. All it takes is some meaningful moments throughout each day.
Meaningful Moments = MVP Moments
1. Pick a Character trait to work on for the day. Talk about what it means and give examples of what it looks like. Role-play examples of using that character trait and discuss its importance in various situations. Here are some examples of character traits you can practice in your home during this time of craziness:
-Consideration: Thinking of others first.
Examples: Letting a sibling play with your toys. Doing what someone else wants to do. Quietly playing while Mommy or Daddy are getting work done.
Related MVP Kids Books: Stomp Out Selfishness, Light of Kindness, Olivia Uproots the Arrogant Weed
-Gratefulness: Being thankful for what you have.
Example: Think about all the good things that you have—family, safe home, friends, toys, technology—and be happy that you have them.
Related MVP Kids Books: Cure Complaining, Celebrate! Thanksgiving, Celebrate! Mommies and Daddies, My Family Loves Me, Celebrate! BedTime
-Obedience: Doing what your mom or dad asks you to do right away.
Example: If your mom asks you to clean up your toys, you do it right away without making a fuss. If dad asks you to stop watching tv or playing on your tablet, you do it right away without making a fuss.
Related MVP Kids Books: Defeat Disobedience
-Honesty: Telling the truth.
Example: If you accidentally broke something, you tell the truth about what happened, even if you have to face the consequences.
Related MVP Kids Books: Lock Up Lying
-Hardworking: Putting 100% effort into something you are doing.
Example: If you’re working on your homework or a craft project, try your best and don’t take any shortcuts.
Related MVP Kids Books: Limit Laziness, Yong Breaks out of the Boredom Box
-Good Sportsmanship: Playing fair and with a good attitude.
Example: Play by the rules. Even if you lose, congratulate your opponent for winning.
Related MVP Kids Books: Block Bad Sportsmanship, Sarah Sizes Up the Insecure Ant
-Dependability: Following through with what you say you are going to do.
Example: If you make a promise, do everything you can to keep that promise. If you promise to stop watching TV at 9:00 and go to bed, you do it even if Mom and Dad don’t come tell you it's time for bed.
Related MVP Kids Books: Pick Your Promises
-Responsibility: Doing what you are expected to do.
Example: If one of your chores is to take out the trash or to feed your pet, do it on your own, without your parents reminding you.
Related MVP Kids Books: Phase Out Forgetfulness, Yong Breaks out of the Boredom Box
-Determination: Not giving up even when things get hard.
If you’re trying to learn something new like playing the piano, keep practicing until you get it right.
Related MVP Kids Books: Stick to the Beat, Ezekiel Builds on His Mistakes
-Adaptability: Changing your strategy when something doesn’t go as planned.
Example: If you were looking forward to baking cookies, but there is no flour, you find a different way to do it or bake something else instead.
Related MVP Kids Books: Annie’s Jar of Patience, Gabby Bears with Embarrassment, Blake Rewires the Failure Circuit
-Kindness: Showing others acceptance (welcoming others), helpfulness, comfort (helping someone who is hurting) and forgiveness (letting go of something wrong someone did to you.)
Example: Offer to help your family with things around the house, forgive your sibling for accidentally breaking your toy, or write a card to cheer someone up.
Related MVP Kids Books: Light of Kindness, Celebrate! Our Differences, The Way We’re Made
2. Practice throughout the day. When you see people practicing that character trait, point it out! If your family has a Goal Jar, put a pom-pom or other small item in the jar each time you see someone putting that trait into action.
3. Try a “Reset” when they don’t get it right. If you see a situation where your child could have used a specific trait, but didn’t, pause the situation. Calmly talk through how your child could have done that differently. Reset the situation so that the child has a chance to practice it again. This will help children put into action.
*Just choose one. Changing habits and building character takes time, so don’t get discouraged. If picking a character trait each day is too much, then pick one a week. Each time you practice an MVP Moment, it makes a difference in the lives of your children and impacts your entire family.
MVP Kids has a full library of books that inspire character in fun and relatable ways for kids to learn and grow. Visit MVPkids.com to add them to your home library today!