The Lawrence Township schools in Indianapolis, Indiana, give parents these tips for building character in children:

• Tell your child where you stand on important issues.
• Know where your child is and whom she’s with.
• Stay involved in your child’s school life.
• Listen and show respect to your spouse and children.
• Model and teach good manners.
• Demonstrate healthy ways to resolve conflict.
• Make a big deal of the family meal.
• Model appropriate behavior regarding alcohol and drugs.
• Talk about your heroes.
• Do service projects as a family.
• Establish family traditions.
• Assign home responsibilities to all family members.
• Read and discuss books with moral and value lessons.
• Set clear expectations for your child.
• Never cover for your child or make excuses for bad behavior.
• Learn to say “no” and mean it!

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