Have you ever tried to teach a child something they are not interested in learning? While you can do it, it certainly is not an easy or pleasant mission. Here are the top 5 character traits your child needs to help them focus on their academic learning. Teach a child who is willing to learn and you have a much easier task.
Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.
John C. Maxwell
I love this quote because it shows us that character can be learned. This is fantastic news for parents because I am sure we all have the same goals for our children: SUCCESS. Success looks different to different people and different cultures, but for me, it is all about:
BEING A GOOD PERSON
This is my ultimate goal for my children, so I need to set in motion ways for this to happen. As stated above, it is good news that character can be learned, because that shows it can be taught.
To teach my child I have to ensure they are teachable. Character traits can be categorised into different areas of life. Therefore, we need:
- a set for social situations,
- a set for work ethics, and
- a set for learning
I believe that with the right set of character traits and motivation anyone can learn academics, this is why we must put character before academics. Without the correct set of character traits the task of teaching and learning is much more difficult. I did some research into which character traits make a person teachable and here are the top 5 character traits your child needs:
(I have included some Bible quotes for those interested.
These are the quotes I turn to when looking for teachable
moments for my children).
Character Trait 1: Humility
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but humility
comes wisdom - Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
Wisdom is our goal. When we acknowledge and admit we do not know it all, then we open ourselves to learning so much from others. Humility allows us to see that every person is valuable. When you see value in another, you will find opportunities to learn from them too.
Character Trait 2: Willingness to Listen
My dear brother and sisters, take note of this: everyone
should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to
become angry. - James 1:19 (NIV)
Put another way: we have 2 ears, 1 mouth; thus we should use them in that proportion. You can’t learn if you are always talking. Listen to others carefully and patiently with a desire to learn. Quieten the thoughts in your mind and really listen to what is being said.
Character Trait 3: Resilience
Let us not become weary in doing good, for
at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do
not give up. - Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Resilience cannot be achieved without a positive attitude. We need a reason to get back up again after a fall. By teaching our children that the end goal is worth the effort we not only help them in their academic pursuits, but in all areas of their life. I try to show my children that there is always a positive outcome. Sometimes it is just personal growth and that is often more valuable then academic growth.
Character Trait 4: Curiosity
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out.
- Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)
A desire to learn needs to be present in order for the teaching to really sink in. It is the child’s curiosity that drives them to delve deeper into a topic. Here we have an opportunity to nurture our child’s curiosity, guiding them with reasoning, searching for meaning and connecting with nature and cultures. Teach this to your children along with good judgement so they can pursue areas worthy of further knowledge.
Character Trait 5: Diligence
We want each of you to show this same diligence
to the very end, so that what you hope for may
be fully realised. - Hebrews 6:11 (NIV)
Through diligence we create a hunger to learn, grow and develop. Note that diligence contains 2 elements – persistence along with carefulness. It is the combination of these 2 elements that ultimately leads to success with the task at hand.
For my hyperactive children, I need to provide tangible opportunities to teach character. This involves identifying teachable moments, eg chores, play dates and sport to name a few. If my child can practice these traits in the fun areas of life, then they can replicate them in their academic life. Start small and build off your success.
With my ultimate goal for my children focused on their character, it is only natural that academics will always come second. That is not to say academic success is not important, it is just putting it in its place so I can get on with the job of helping my children reach their full potential. Teaching your child to understand who they are and guiding them to master themselves is extremely rewarding, especially as we watch our child begin to make good judgment calls. This is when true learning takes place and we can see that our child is on the path to becoming the best they can be.
"Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your values,
Your values become your destiny"
- MAHATMA GHANDI
When we teach our children character traits we are working on their thoughts, words and actions. These create positive habits, values and ultimately their destiny.
There is no one magic answer that will make your child want to suddenly learn the boring academic stuff. However, by focusing on the top 5 character traits your child needs, teaching your child will become easier. Ultimately, when we place character before academic learning we are giving our children the gift of self-knowledge.
This post shares my experience and opinions only and is not professional advice. Please make your own decisions on what is right for your child and family given your individual circumstances.
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