The month of November reminds us to be mindful of our choices, our thoughts and our actions along with being grateful. I find it beneficial to have a positive mindset and many times to write it down, to reinforce it and to be aware of my thoughts, my actions and the choices that I make. My choices reflect the day that unfolds and the days ahead of them.
Practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and good character helps children develop a strong foundation for becoming caring, confident, respectful, and responsible individuals. These three qualities work together to help children appreciate what they have, understand their feelings, make thoughtful choices, and treat others with kindness.
1. Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude means being thankful and appreciating the people, experiences, and little things that make our lives special. The older I get, the more gratitude I actually have. While I thought that I was always grateful, being mindful and practicing gratitude truly takes on a whole new meaning. Think about how you can practice gratitude and model it for your children and how your own children can practice gratitude. I find the simplicity in this to be so easy and effective in changing ones thoughts and mindset, too!
How children can practice gratitude, and a reminder that you are their role model!
Start each morning by naming three things they are thankful for.
Say thank you when someone does something kind.
Write a thank-you note to someone special.
Appreciate a friend who makes them smile.
Recognize the little things, such as a sunny day or a favorite book.
Tell family members why they are appreciated.
Look for something good in each day.
Why is gratitude important? As I reflect as an adult on the importance of grtitude, it really does make a difference. When I was younger I just did or went or spoke, etc. Today, being grateful has encouraged a positive outlook and helps me to appreciate what I have, not what others have or can do. Gratitude also builds kindness and compassion, strengthens friendships and relationships and encourages one to see the good in others.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness means slowing down, paying attention to the present moment, noticing how we feel, and becoming aware of what is happening around us.
How children can practice mindfulness: Take a few quiet moments to breathe and relax. Then, it allows them to listen carefully when someone is speaking, they notice the sound, colors and the beauty of nature and their surroundings. It helps them to take the time to think before responding, remember, words hurt. It allows them to recognize their feelings and put them into words and enjoy a conversation or activity without rushing. Plus, and this is something that I had to revisit and rewire myself to do, to practice being present instead of worrying about what comes next or what will happen.
Why is mindfulness important?
It truly helps children become more aware of their emotions and encourages patience and self control. It helps improve listening and concentration and allows one to think before making a decision or choices on the matter. Not to mention that it encourages thoughtful communication and conversations and helps to build awareness of our actions do affect others.
What is good character?
Good character is making positive choices, treating others with respect, taking responsibility, and doing what is right even when no one is watching. It’s not taking the easy way out, but doing what is right and just, this may take some practice!
How children can practice good character is by being kind and helpful towards others, to show parents, teachers, family and friends respect. To practice good manners and to take responsibility for their actions and their choices. Let’s not forget that to persevere on difficult tasks or conversations is important. Including others in activities and conversations, don’t let someone feel left out, and to be a good, and honest friend. Be sure to show compassion towards someone who is having a hard day, you may not know the reason for their difficulties, but, there is always a reason, be kind.
Did you know that good character helps to build strong friendships, encourages responsible decision making, develops confidence and self-respect. It also creates a sense of belonging and community and teaches children to understand right from wrong and become caring and productive members of society.
Your children can practice gratitude, mindfulness, and character every day through three simple questions. You can have conversations about this or have them journal them, draw them or do an activity about them. These will reinforce and help them to internalize them and hopefully become daily habits! Again, remember that you are their role model. These can be done in the beginning of the day or at the end of the day, but, by bringing awareness to them allows your child to think more about them.
Gratitude
What am I thankful for today?
Encourage your children to name one person, experience, or thing they appreciate.
Mindfulness
How can I slow down and be more thoughtful today?
Encourage your children to listen, recognize their feelings, and think before acting.
Character
What can I do today to show good character?
Encourage your children to demonstrate kindness, respect, responsibility, and perseverance.
"Growing good character begins with the little things we do every day. When we teach children to be grateful for what they have, mindful of their thoughts and actions, and intentional about treating others with kindness and respect, we help build a stronger foundation for tomorrow. After all, raising children with good character means teaching them not only how to succeed, but how to care, appreciate, and make a positive difference in the world."
A Grateful Heart, A Mindful Mind, A Character That Shines!
Did you know that each of our traits offers a Composition Notebook which is a great way to reinforce different character qualties as a visual reminder and to support building literacy skills and communication skills. Let them draw in one, write in one and you can even get them started by asking these questions with a Daily Challenge!
Monday Name three things you are thankful for. Practice gratitude!
Tuesday Take time to listen without interrupting. Practice listening.
WednesdayDo something kind for someone. Practice kindness.
Thursday Think before you speak or act. Practice making good choices.
Friday Tell someone why you appreciate them. Practice more kindness and respect.
Saturday Notice and enjoy the little things around you.
Sunday Reflect on one good choice you made this week.You can think of your own questions, too! Write one down on a page in the composition notebook or just on paper and have your children thing about them, draw abut them, talk about them and write about them.
Miss Joni and Team Characters
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We hope you find the value in our organization, our projects and the work we do to make a difference in the life of a child. Please consider a donation to our organization. Characters of Character has a yearly Superhero Project for children in the hospital and we are working on a monthly project that we hope you will consider supporting. Our newsletters will keep you update on our projects, too!