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CHARACTER is made up of the stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual's life which determine his response regardless of circumstances. American Dictionary of the English Language. Reflecting on the above statement for a short while will allow a person to realize, to some degree, at least, the importance of forming character. The truth is, we form our character over a period of time, for good or evil. All of us have a character. It is what we are but is it what we want others to see? Is it what it should be? What kind of characteristics do you want to have? What kind of character do you want your child to have? Those are important questions. Far to often we drift through life without giving much thought as to what we are becoming as a person or what character traits our children are developing. We tend to "want what we want" regardless of the outcome. Parents often give into every whim of their children thinking, "Someday they will become responsible." It is true that a child of two will not be as responsible as a child of twelve generally speaking. However, if we want a child of two to become a responsible child of twelve we must exercise some discipline in our training. We must have a purpose (to instill character) and a method of achieving our purpose. That requires study, research, planning and determination. It also requires us to use some good old-fashioned common sense. It needs to be noted that discipline is not just spanking, although, it may contain such disciplinary action within limits. (Making the bed, picking up toys, good manners etc are all disciplines.) Spanking is not abuse unless it exceeds reasonable limits but it should never be our first response. It is best reserved for deliberate disobedience. Teaching must always proceed more serious discipline. Children do not come into this world with a set of values and good character traits. It is our job as parents to instill those traits into our children via teaching and discipline. Teaching about the character trait you want your child to establish will require the lesson be repeated over and over until it becomes a "habit" with your child. In reality, you will need to teach many character traits at the same time. That sounds overwhelming but it isn't really. As each trait is developed, you will see how each one is a building block for life itself. There is no better place to look for information on character building than the scripture. Each trait is actually encouraged (if not commanded) in the scriptures. We will do our best to point you in the right direction so that the Spirit of God can lead you in training yourself as well as training your children. I strongly suggest that the family memorize certain scriptures. Even children of three and four can memorize scripture. It takes patience and endurance but those scriptures, learned early in life, are never forgotten. They become roadblocks when temptation presents itself. David said in Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." One very important factor will enter into your success as a parent. That one factor is 'consistency.' Nothing confuses a child more than for something to be OK one time and all wrong the next. So BE CONSISTENT with your instruction. It must be understood that for a person to "teach" something, they must first have a good knowledge of it themselves. Ask the Lord Jesus to give you the grace and wisdom to impart these traits to your children as you learn to walk in them.
Article Source: http://christian-topics.info
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