What is Character?

HOWDY Partner, and how do you do? I'd like to share some character tips with you!

Hey, this is Miss Joni, the creator and founder of Characters of Character NFP. We moved to Tennessee after receiving a grant from the Nashville Predators in 2021 to donate our Superhero boxes to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. And actually, we met with Vandy last week to bring them 200 more boxes! This is an ongoing project for our organization because we have seen the need, the impact and the appreciation to bring the children positive activities in the hospital, which for most is a scary place to be.

That's not all we do though, we recently visited the Bransford Early Learning and met with the Sheriff and two groups of children to talk about good behavior with Behavior Bear activities and also respect with Respectful Rabbit activities. In November we visited Fort Campbell to talk with the students about good manners with Manners Monkey and then in December to talk about perseverance with Do'er Duck. While these visits are impactful, you don't need us to introduce these character traits to you or your children. What is important is that our children and youth understand the importance of character, making good choices, forming healthy habits and being kind and respectful.

Building good character in children and youth is essential, it shapes who they become, not just academically, but as people, leaders, and members of their communities. These are some key reasons it matters:

Character Builds a strong foundation for life
Good character values like respect, responsibility, kindness, and honesty gives children a moral compass. It helps them make positive choices even when no one is watching and guides them through challenges as they grow. And, there will be challenges.

Character Supports emotional and social well-being
Children with strong character traits tend to have better self-esteem, empathy, and emotional regulation. They are more likely to form healthy friendships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and feel a sense of belonging. And, social and emotional well being is vital to ones character development.

Character Encourages positive behavior and decision making
Character education helps children understand right from wrong and the consequences of their actions. This reduces negative behaviors such as bullying, dishonesty, and aggression while encouraging accountability and coping skills.

Character Prepares youth for success in school and work
Traits like perseverance, responsibility, teamwork, and respect are critical for academic achievement and future careers. And, we are raising our children to be independent and successful in their choices.

Character Strengthens families and communities
When children grow up with strong character, they contribute positively to their families, schools, and community. Plus, they are more likely to become engaged citizens who care about others and give back to their communities.

Character Provides stability in a rapidly changing world
In today’s fast paced, digital, and often challenging environment, strong character helps children and youth navigate peer pressure, social media, and life’s uncertainties with confidence and integrity.

Character Creates future leaders with integrity
Teaching character early helps develop youth who lead with compassion, fairness, and courage. Such qualities are essential for building a healthier, more just society. And, we're all in this together.

We at Characters of Character can honestly say that building good character in children and youth is not optional, it is foundational. It equips them with the values and skills they need to thrive personally, succeed professionally, and positively impact the world around them.

If you are struggling with teaching your children a specific trait, visit us online as we have individual books, composition notebooks and blogs to help support you in this important endeavor. I myself like to learn from visuals and of course hands on, it's just how I internalize and learn better.

One tip I will share is that your children want you to teach them, be a role model for them and engage them in activities. My favorite quote by Benjamin Franklin is, "Tell me and I forget, Teach me and I remember, Involve me and I learn."

Once you introduce and have a discussion about the character, continue on with encouraging them to use it! Our blog post shares Certificates of Achievement for each character and are powerful. Display them as a reminder and keep things at a child's eye level so that they see these visuals daily and are a constant reminder to be of good character. Each one of the nine characters has a social story, paper bag puppet activity and some have activity books and tee shirts to help teach the trait.

The above photo of the Composition notebooks are fun! WE have lots of books!

1. Use them as a visual reminder to be of good character.

2. Use as a family communication notebook.

3. Use to practice penmanship.

4. Use to write down daily reminders.

5. Use to write down a question to your child and let them respond.

6. Use in meetings.

7. Use to practice spelling words.

8. Use to send a note to a friend.

9. Use to keep your thoughts in order.

10. Use them!

Characters of Character NFP would love to hear from you!

Miss Joni and Team Characters