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Agricultural Experiment Station


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Parenting Journey
Find Your Way to Character Heights

10. Teach good ways to act. When we yell at children they become angry or scared and don’t understand what we are trying to say. A gentle, but firm request works best. When they face a difficult task, we should help them get started. When children are upset, we should talk calmly with them or give them a few minutes alone to settle down.

11. Makes sensible rules. Without rules, life would be a mess. But sometimes we make too many rules or silly rules. Good rules help children learn to work well with other people. We can make a few simple rules and show they are important by enforcing them consistently.

12. Establish consequences. When we are frustrated with children we may be tempted to spank them. But hitting isn’t good for children or for us. Instead, establish consequences to teach important lessons. Positive consequences (like noticing and commenting on good actions) teach children to repeat the actions. Negative consequences (like removing privileges) teach children to avoid misbehavior.

13. Establish routines. Routines can help children know what to expect and how to behave. A bedtime routine teaches children to brush their teeth, get ready for bed, enjoy books, and express affection. We should work with our children to create routines that help them feel comfortable and safe.

Get the Travel Guide for Character Heights [Download PDF]

Learn more about Character Heights

Recommended books for adult reading

  • Between Parent and Child by Haim Ginott
  • Parenting with Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay
  • Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman
  • Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman

Recommended books for reading with children

  • Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch
  • What Makes Me Happy by Catherine and Laurence Anholt
  • Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
  • The Children’s Book of Virtues by William Bennett
  • Little Polar Bear Finds a Friend by Hans de Beer
  • Now One Foot, Now the Other by Tomie de Paola
  • Santa Calls by William Joyce

Suggested GCS videos

Take an assessment on Character Heights

 

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University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture
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Last Date Modified 07/11/2008
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University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
2301 South University Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 • USA
Phone (501) 671-2000 • Fax (501) 671-2209
 

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