Character traits that are positive create good students. In addition, we know that a high IQ helps students perform well in school. It also helps to place students in a good school with highly qualified teachers. But, what counts most for students is to enter the classroom with a positive attitude. Parents with high expectations contribute to the mix of success in school and outside activities. Positive attributes and a growth mindset lead to success.
Character doesn’t suddenly appear in people. Its traits are not passed down from one generation to another. It comes from experiences.
Schools tend to teach character education. However, some say traits can’t be taught. Instead, educators and parents should focus on encouraging positive behavior and the self-reflection of various behaviors. As we help students understand the importance of developing good personal traits, success will follow.
As defined, character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. It is the nature, disposition, temperament, and personality of a person.
BUILDING CHARACTER
Building character takes an awareness and modeling from parents and teachers. As a parent or an educator, we must take the lead. Start with reflection of your own attitude. Set a good example and model good behavior. Demonstrate hard work, telling the truth and modeling kindness. However, we do not always have perfect character. It is not how we act when everything is fine, it is how we react to failure that reveals our true character.
NEGATIVE TRAITS
Character is what makes people believe or not believe in you. Good traits take a lifetime to build and are lost in an instant when a negative trait emerges. Once lost, it is difficult to regain. There are several characteristics that show a lack of good character.
• Avoid envying others. Trying to keep up with others shows a negative trait.
• Do not act entitled. Showing that you deserve everything is not a positive trait.
• Demonstrating defensiveness when criticized or corrected is negative.
• Another trait that gives the impression of being untrustworthy is to act aloof.
• Volatility tells people that you want attention.
Building strong relationships with others is the secret of success. A destroyed relationship is not easily fixed.
True success is to have moral strength and integrity to do the right thing. It is not necessarily getting good grades or scoring high on tests. Students with a positive attitude and disposition toward learning and working with others will flourish both in and out of school. They may not be perfect students but they will be good citizens.
