Parenting to Build Character in Your Teen

9781889322421

1889322423

Building character in teens is a matter of teaching them to "know the good, love the good, and do the good." In this book, two of America's foremost youth-serving organizations, Girls and Boys Town and the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition, team up to help parents accomplish this vital task. Learn how to use proven Common Sense Parenting techniques to teach, enforce, advocate, and model the Six Pillars of Character - trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. This book will show you as a parent how to help adolescents build character by using their: Head - Teach right from wrong, help your teen know and understand the importance of good behavior and character. Heart - Help him or her to develop a strong conscience and commitment to values such as honesty and dependability. Habits - Reinforce good behavior and attitudes so that they become a permanent and automatic part of your teen's life. Included is a helpful discussion of a seven-step process that teens can use to make effective and ethical decisions - decisions that uphold the Six Pillars and also help teens accomplish their goals. The book offers real-life ethical dilemmas and shows how parents can guide their teens when confronted by situations such as the pressure to have sex, being tempted to shoplift or cheat, or handling a bully's threats.