Character Training Takes Consistency-Do It Again and Again

Character Training

Character Training Takes Consistency
Among homeschoolers, there is always much debate about this curriculum or that one, this course or that. Still, one fundamental course of study to include is one that requires no costs, no textbooks, no computers, no assignments, etc. Building a student's character should be a primary focus of all that you do as a parent, and indeed, therefore, as a homeschool parent.

Character Training Takes Consistency
The difficulty comes in that you are with your student such a vast majority of the day, that if you are not a person of character yourself, then it will be an entirely different lesson that you are teaching, and one that you might not wish that you had. As homeschool families find, students who learn at home have an incredible opportunity to become future leaders, healthy adults, and participatory citizens - if the foundation of integrity and character is solidly built.

Character Training Takes Consistency
How often does what you say and what you do not match up? Consider the impact that this has on those around you. If you homeschool, your students will have eyes and ears on all that you do, all the time. That includes your telephone conversations, your interactions with service technicians, and your relationships with business owners around you. Have you ever yelled at someone on the phone or been rude, and then tried to teach your children to be patient and kind?

Character Training Takes Consistency
There is a "disconnect" there, and believe me, your children will notice it. Consistency counts - all the time. You must be modeling the virtues and character of the type of person that you want your children to become because they will become what you model. If you homeschool, this unique home-laboratory that you operate in is one in which your actions will directly be seen and imitated by those whom you are trying to train.

Character Training Takes Consistency
Your character affects your children, but it also affects your example as a homeschool family. What you do will help those in your neighborhood to affirm or tear down homeschooling, just by seeing you. Are you operating with joy, with purpose, with excellence? Would others want to be like you? If not, then you need to consider re-vamping your character studies - both for yourself and your children's sake. Adding credibility to your homeschool program by being a person who is responsible, one whom others enjoy spending time with, and one who is true to their word will be an invaluable set of character traits to develop.

Character Training Takes Consistency

If you tell your students that you plan to take an afternoon off for a field trip, but then get tied up on the phone with a friend and miss the event, you will have ruined more than the afternoon outing. Your character impacts all that you do, especially as a homeschool parent, because you are modeling your values, priorities, and moral fiber consistently.

Character Training Takes Consistency
Here's a challenge for you. Select one character trait that you would like to develop more fully. Let's say you want to work on consistency of character. Look for that trait in others and model that in yourself. Take notes on people who are consistent at all times. Note times that you say you are going to do something for another, or times that you promise your children that you will add a particular event into your homeschool program or anytime you use the phrase, "I promise."

Character Training Takes Consistency
Write these things down so that you have a record of what consistency of character would look like to you. Then, continually ask yourself, "Is this the person I want my children to become?" Ask yourself this question while you are on the phone, while you are shopping, while you are preparing homeschool lessons, while you are going out with friends, while you are relaxing and unwinding, and while you are engaging in ordinary daily activities.

Character Training Takes Consistency
You may find that there are days that you fall into a pattern that doesn't fit your goals. When that happens, pull out your notes and take action to do those things that would be consistent. But, particularly for homeschool families who are constantly interacting, be honest with your students about the times when you have found it harder to maintain that character trait. This kind of honesty with your children will continue to teach additional positive character traits as well.

Character Training Takes Consistency
Developing a habit or a routine takes time, and character development should never stop - you must do it over and over again to be the person that you strive to be and desire for your children.