Families

Families impact kids’ character by being good role models who teach values and good decision-making.

What is character?

Moral character includes values we need to be our best self, like the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring & citizenship.
Performance character focuses on values that help us do our best work, like diligence, imagination, work ethic, dependability, and a positive attitude.

We Can Help

Our Family Guides to Teaching Good Character are great tools for anyone who wants to start or continue teaching their kids about values and making good choices.

Plus, these guides are written by parents who have been successfully using the Six Pillars of Character with their own kids.

Family Guide - Grades K-5

⬇️ Read or download our free family guide for families with students in grades K-5.

Click here for the Spanish version.

Family Guide - Grades 6-8

⬇️ Read or download our free family guide for families with students in grades 6-8.

Click here for the Spanish version.

Family Guide - Grades 9-12

⬇️ Read or download our free family guide for families with students in grades 9-12.

Click here for the Spanish version.

Free Online Resources

Check out our resource library for more tips on teaching character skills like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.

Workshop

Increasing Positve Parent Engagement

This workshop focuses on increasing positive parent engagement in the education of their children. The workshop equips parents with tools and strategies to use at home to support the school’s CC! efforts.

Parents will learn how to encourage and model the Six Pillars of Character at home, especially in challenging situations. If requested, the parent sessions may also address managing behaviors of at-risk youth.

The TEAM Approach

Teach children that their character counts. The Six Pillars of Character provide the vocabulary words to teach your children about character.

Enforce/Encourage the Six Pillars of Character. Reward good behavior (usually praise is enough) and discourage bad behavior by imposing fair and consistent consequences.

Advocate Character. Continually encourage children to practice and develop character skills.

Model Good Behavior. Everything you say and do (or don’t do) sends a message about your values. Be sure that these messages reinforce your lessons about doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. When you slip, be accountable; apologize sincerely, and do better.

Start Today!

Discussion Starters

Here’s a few questions to ask your kids! It’s a great way to start talking about character skills like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. These questions can get your family talking about what good character looks like and encourage them to embrace multiple perspectives.

What makes a friend trustworthy?
Why is it important to respect the differences of others?
Think of a time when you failed at something. What did you learn?
What makes things fair? Unfair?
What does it mean to be a leader? Who do you think is a good leader?
Why should we always try to do what we say we’ll do?
Can you think of a time when you had to work hard to be successful?
What are your goals? What can I do to help you achieve your goals?
Why is it dishonest when we tell a partial truth?
Why is it important to take care of our belongings?

Don’t be afraid to adjust these questions based on the age level of your children. Plus, these can inspire more questions for you to ask!