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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