Scroll down to view the sponsor giveaway and enter for your chance to win!
Whenever I start talking to parents about being intentional in teaching their kids how to grow in Godly character, one of their biggest concerns is this. They know they themselves don’t have it together and they don’t want to be hypocrites in the eyes of their children. How parents can walk the talk when growing kids in character is a noble concern.
5 Keys For Growing Kids With Character (without Hypocrisy)
Kids are very quick to see hypocrisy, so we do need to walk the talk, not just talk it – we do need to practice what we teach. But this does not mean that we have to have each character trait down pat in our life before we teach our kids. Poor kids if that was the case!! But do we have a right understanding of hypocrisy?
What is hypocrisy?
When there is a difference between what we say and what we do, that is hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is when we set out to look like we know it all – and yet we don’t. It is pretending that we have it all sorted, that we have arrived. Our kids will see that pretense and turn away from our instruction.
We know from our own lives that we do not want to learn from someone who is not walking the talk. So when it comes to teaching our kids Godly character we know we don’t want to be hypocrites. We want to be putting it into practice. We want to show our kids that we are growing in character.
And this is the key – it is about showing them that we are growing in character – not that we have it all together and not that we have made it.
Be a role model for growing in Godly Character
We need to show our kids, that we are serious about growing in character. I define character as the quality of our responses to people or circumstances, based on our moral values.
When we create an atmosphere of learning good responses as our normal family way, we start to create a culture of character in our family. This culture can only be healthy if it is based on growing rather than arriving.
Will any of us ever be fully, completely, totally – orderly, or punctual, or diligent, or creative? I doubt it! It isn’t about having arrived at achieving total success in any one of these character qualities, but rather a commitment to continue to grow and practice choices based on our moral values. This is what character development is about.
[click_to_tweet tweet=”Our kids need to see us growing in character not that we have it already! Here are 5 keys to help you avoid hypocrisy as a parent!” quote=”Our kids need to see us growing in character not that we have it already! “]
5 Keys for Growing Kids In Character
Once we have a right understanding of what is and what isn’t hypocrisy, we can be comfortable with the idea of teaching our kids as we ourselves grow in the very same character lessons. But as parents, we need to take the lead in character development, and as such we become role models for our children.
1. Avoid hypocrisy by taking responsibility for your choices
How we respond to our children, to our spouse, to other people in our life is our responsibility. It doesn’t matter how stressed we are, how frustrated, how disappointed, or even how excited we are – we are still, and always, responsible to say and do the right thing. When we acknowledge that circumstances are not responsible for our choices then we will start to walk the talk when it comes to teaching character.
2. Be humble and acknowledge when you messed up
We will mess up and we will respond inappropriately. We will forget every ounce of self-control, patience, respect or responsibility (to name a few) somewhere along the line. An aspect of taking responsibility for our own choices is to be humble and acknowledge when we do wrong, and to take responsibility for putting it right. When our children see us acknowledging our mistakes and asking for forgiveness they will see that we are walking the talk.
3. Be honest and know where you need to grow
When we have an honest look at our own lives. When we can identify the areas where we need to grow, and then make a plan to work towards that area of change – our children will see our sincerity, see that we really are walking the talk when it comes to growing in character. We will avoid being that hypocritical family member altogether. They will see that we are applying the same standards to our own life.
4. Be accountable when growing in character
When it comes to teaching our kids character we hold the position of helping them, guiding them, holding them accountable. We will set up lifestyle structures to help them grow strong and walk alongside them. This is the same support we need.
This is the beauty of growing together in a family. The children can support you and hold you accountable even as you support them, and hold them accountable. When you choose this level of transparency your children will know you are walking the talk.
5. Pray for God’s help in growing and maturing in character
The thing is, we don’t have to do this on our own. I am often reminded of the scripture that says: God’s grace is sufficient for me. Though there are many definitions of grace the one that resonates with my heart is “the influence of the Holy Spirit on the heart of man”. When the Holy Spirit hovers over us, he enables us to do the things that please God. God’s grace changes us.
It is with God’s grace that we can grow in character. It is with God’s grace that we can respond to people and circumstances in a way that glorifies God. All we need to do is pray.
How to overcome hypocrisy in your heart
Practice what you teach with your kids. Being a parent isn’t about having it all right. It is about living life with our kids, showing them what it means to be a person of character. And though we want to be consistent in living out our morals and values, one aspect of those very same values is that we are humble and grow.
Being a person of character happens over time. When our kids see us on our journey – failing, learning, and growing from those failures they start to see character development as a lifelong pursuit (which it is!) In the process, we have not only modeled character and avoided hypocrisy in our family, but we have also modeled a real learning journey. This is an example that they can truly follow.
***
Parent Educators and coaches Joey & Carla Link simply make parenting practical. They have written two books for parents, 43 “Mom’s Notes” (practical audio and written teachings on typical parenting issues) and 3 video resources for parents. Parents like their teaching because it is so practical and helpful for kids/teens of all ages. Get their fresh parenting insights today! Their “Parenting Made Practical” Podcasts are listened to in 16 countries. Visit Parenting Made Practical by clicking here!
One winner will receive 1 each of the following:
1. Navigating the Rapids of Parenting: Learn how to navigate your kids/teens through the natural phases of growth that often throw them overboard from child to adult.
2. Taming the Lecture Bug and Getting Your Kids to Think: Instead of threatening, reminding and lecturing your kids/teens, learn how to motivate them to take ownership of their responsibilities so you don’t have to.
3. Dating, Courting & Choosing A Mate, WHAT WORKS? A uniquely different biblical and practical philosophy that empowers parents to train their kids to be successful in a relationship without violating privacy areas. Video downloads and workbook. Value $40.00!
***
Belinda Letchford writes at www.livelifewithyourkids.com where she encourages families to be intentional and relational in their family life: that every issue faced by family can be addressed in a heart focused way. Belinda is married to Peter and lives on a farm on the outskirts of a remote Australian outback town. They have four adult children, whom they homeschooled from prep to year 12. (The youngest is in his last year this year!) As a family we enjoy playing board games, having parties, watching movies and camping (though we don’t do it often enough)[magicactionbox]
10 Responses
Hello to every one, the contents existing at this web site are in fact remarkable for people experience, well, keep
up the nice work fellows.
It’s very easy to find out any matter on net as compared
to textbooks, as I found this article at this website.
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually
recognize what you’re speaking approximately! Bookmarked.
Please additionally seek advice from my site =). We may have a link
exchange arrangement between us adreamoftrains web hosting service
Hi! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with
hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
So glad it was a good reminder to you! It’s easy to forget that we are still growing too. I love that you are praying for yourself & your husband, as well as your kids!
Thank you so much for the insight into parents growing in character as well. On a practical note, I have also been praying for myself and my husband not only my children on some of the guidance you have given as I have discovered that this is a journey for us parents as well. Thank you for this timely reminder
Thank you Lee. I’m glad you were able to see grace in what I wrote. Mums need to give themselves grace in a way don’t we – as much as we need to give it to others in our family!
What a beautiful post on a topic we have such a hard time with as parents! I know I struggle. I loved the emphasis on showing them we are grow- ing in character as well not assuming we pretend we have it all together. A lovely picture of grace. Thank you for this!
Hi PJ! Enter at the bottom of the post by clicking on the actions in the box. 🙂
Thank you for the opportunity for a lovely win. I’m not sure where I have to sign up to be in the drawing . But would love to be included.
Thank you for all the wonderful character building advice on facebook.