BE PART OF THE CHARACTER COUNTS TEAM!

HOW?  Teach Enforce Advocate Model

TEACH: Tell children that their character counts and that their success and happiness will depend on who they are inside, not what they have or how they look.  Tell them that people of character know the difference between right and wrong because they guide their thoughts and actions by the Character Counts Pillars: Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Fairness, Caring, and Good Citizenship! Use examples from your life to teach these.

ENFORCE:  Instill the Character Counts Pillars by rewarding good behavior and by discouraging all instances of bad behavior by imposing fair, consistent consequences that prove you are serious about character.  Demonstrate courage and firmness of will by enforcing the core values when it is difficult or costly to do so.

ADVOCATE: Continuously encourage children to live up to the Character Counts Pillars in all their thoughts and actions. Be an advocate for good character. Don't be neutral about the importance of character or casual about improper conduct.  Be clear and uncompromising that you want and expect your children to be KIDS OF CHARACTER!

MODEL:  Be careful and self-conscious about setting a good example in everything you say and do.  Hold yourself to the highest standards of character by honoring the Character Counts Pillars at all times.  You may be a good model now, but remember, you don't have to be sick to get better.  Everything you do, and don't do, sends a message about your values.  Be sure your messages reinforce your lessons about doing the right thing even when it is hard to do so.  When you slip (and most of us do), act the way you want your children to behave when they act improperly - be accountable, apologize sincerely, and resolve to do better next time.

Adapted from www.charactercounts.org