How To Raise a Child of Character
Parents often ask how to raise a child with good character and values, in the context of a culture that often seems to reward the opposite. The simplest answer is that children learn what they live, so if you live your values, your kids are likely to as well.
It's also true that talking explicitly about our values helps kids to develop them, especially in the face of teachings from the media or their peers that might go against what you believe.
Finally, there are definitely ways that you can encourage your child to be thoughtful, generous, responsible, courageous -- a person of character. To read more about encouraging the development of specific traits in your child, click below.
Start Here:
Generosity
Generosity starts with a feeling of having plenty & develops as we have experiences of making others happy by giving. Our job is to help our kids to have those experiences. How?
Read More
The Great Spiritual Lessons Every Child Should Learn
All humans have a spiritual dimension. Here are some ideas for nondenominational (and even God-optional, if that's your preference) spirituality.
Read More
15 Ways to Raise a Child with Great Values
Regardless of what you consciously teach them, your children will emerge from childhood with clear views on what their parents really value.
Read More
Help Your Child Develop Good Judgment
Good judgment & decision-making skills develop from experience and reflection. Give your child experience in making decisions and the opportunity to reflect & learn.
Read More
15 Tips to Raise a Responsible Child
How do we raise our kids to take responsibility for their choices and their impact on the world?
Read More
Books to Teach Kids Values
Kids learn from discussion, not lectures. One great way to start those discussions is with books.
Read MoreFolks, she's brilliant. It's wonderful to have parenting experts who don't see the child as the enemy in a locked combat, for one thing. I recommend it.
"Your emails are life savers! So well thought-out and written!" - Helene Brazier-Mitouart
"I'd really recommend Laura Markham's Aha! parenting books and website for brilliantly practical ways to parent with kindness instead of punishment." - Makchoon
Makchoon
I have seen amazing improvement in my *very* angry 17 year-old son after acknowledging that there was a reason he was so angry and acting out. We have had several heartfelt conversations and I have seen a real change in how he treats his younger brother, and how he treats me.
I know that I am a better parent thanks to Dr. Laura's inspirational words and suggestions.
My daughter reacts so much better when I empathize and stay patient. And now I get to model that behavior instead of letting my frustration get the better of me.
"Another brilliant article, pulling compelling information together in a readable way. Thank you so much for the work you do. You help me as a parent of teenagers, and I pass your articles on to clients." - Nancy Eisenberg
Thank you so much for this great advice! You give me ideas for how I can "do it better" and that lifts me up with hope and positivity too!
"I just want to say that the advice about dealing with toddlers on this website is excellent. It is amazing how much my attitude changes my son's behavior. If I make an effort to empathize with him, he is so much more cooperative. It does take an effort -- after all, I have a lot to do and I don't always want to take the time. But I find it is worth it to avoid the tantrums and fussing. He is much better behaved now, and other people even comment on it."
Jennifer
Today I say thank you, tears streaming from my face, so proud of my little boy and all he will become. Thank you. - Jennifer B.
Jennifer B
Your philosophies are the only tools we've come across which offer practical advice grounded in clearly laid out lay terminology. Our family life day-to-day is nothing short of a miracle, thanks to you! - Dana Questad
Dana Questad
