The word character means "the combination of qualities that distinguishes an individual person". Character can be taught from a tender age when the child can denote right from wrong. To teach character, you should possess character. Character build up definitely starts from home. Make sure you tell your child its wrong to steal cookies when mum is away. Ensure that they speak the truth no matter how serious the crime is. Children are like blotting paper, they absorb everything quickly. They are watching your every move and listen to every word that you speak. If they see you stealing and speaking lies, they will definitely follow suit.

For example if your child comes home from school, with things that dont belong to them, immediately make them understand that it is wrong to bring things home that don't belong to them.If the children disagree with you, tell them you mean business and call up the teacher concerned. Also make sure you don't carry any surplus office materials home, eyes are watching you. Teach them the three magical words that can be used every day in their lives.
PLEASE, SORRY and THANKYOU.

These magicial words are character builders. If they need something, they should not be aggressive or demanding, "Please " is the word to use. After they receive it, "Thankyou". If they have hurt you or a friend "Sorry" is the right word. Building character in the children is the greatest investment. Teach a child when he is young and when he is old he will never forget it. Character building is a cycle.

At school the teacher must input character. The teacher must spend atleast five minutes of quality time, to explain to the children what character is all about and why it is necessary.
They should instil a sense of discipline in their talk, where rude,ugly words don't fly out.
The qualites of obedience, kindness and politeness must be inculcated in the children. They should be given merits and demerits for behaviour. These little children are the future leaders of tomorrow. Children spend most of the time in school, and thus they should be taught value education.

As they grow into young adults, the pressure will be more. These children must be counciled. Parents too, must play a vital role in shaping the character of their children. Many children mistake "Freedom" to be completely free. Here's where they lose their character. They run into a world of exploration not waiting to be guided by adults. By the end of term, something like a character certificate must be given. This should be based on good behaviour, no drugs or alcohol. Children should be made to value character. As the saying goes, if health is lost something is lost, but if character is lost'|EVERYHTING IS LOST.'

Learn more about this author, Juanita Swyney.
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