"Good boy and good girl" is a term used in our society to describe students who get good scores in school. In most cases, good grades characterize a child's overall traits. As a parent, we prioritize our child's academic grade or performance, but we are less concerned with a child's character strength.

Most of us are now wondering, "What are character strengths?" What function does character play in the development of children and adults?  and what purpose does it serve?

Character–not looks, IQ or wealth–is commonly recognized as the most important factor in determining happiness in life. A person's positive traits are mirrored in their ideas, feelings, and deeds, and they serve to improve their own and other people's well-being.

Even though different characteristics may be valued differently by different people, parents and educators all over the world respect these qualities and work hard to instill them in the next generation of children and teenagers..

Love, generosity, creativity, curiosity, and humor are some of the most frequent character qualities among young children. Love, zest and hope are associated with wellbeing in young children, and can be developed through a positive parent-child relationship. Adolescents who are more optimistic, hopeful, and self-assured are less likely to suffer from anxiety and sadness. As a youngster grows older, he or she is likely to develop more skills, such as an appreciation for beauty and perfection, forgiveness, modesty, and judgment.

Research on character strengths in both adults and youth tends to use the Values in Action (VIA) Classification, a framework that identifies 24 character strengths, which are often organized under six core virtues. The virtues are wider characteristics that have been valued in philosophical and spiritual traditions throughout history, whereas character strengths serve as components of or routes to the virtues. The six virtues and their corresponding character strengths of the VIA are:

• Wisdom (creativity; curiosity; judgment; love of learning; perspective)
• Courage (bravery; perseverance; honesty; zest)
• Humanity (love; kindness; social-emotional intelligence) 
• Justice (teamwork; fairness; leadership)
• Temperance (forgiveness; humility; prudence; self-regulation)
• Transcendence (appreciation of beauty and excellence; gratitude; hope; humor; spirituality)

Having good character is not a one-size-fits-all feature, but rather a "family" of positive attributes that can be demonstrated to varying degrees in different people. Each kid has a distinct set of strengths, with some being more developed than others, regardless of how they compare to other pupils.

For example, one student may be very strong in curiosity, love of learning, and perseverance, whereas another may be particularly strong in kindness, humility, and justice; and still another may be particularly strong in enthusiasm, social-emotional intelligence, and cooperation.

Why it is important to nurture your child's character strength?

Research with young people has found that character strengths relate to multiple aspects of well-being, including happiness, mental/emotional health, social relationships, and academic achievement.

1. Children are happier when they have strong character traits

• Many character strengths are associated with higher satisfaction with life. In one study, for young children (ages 3-9), the strengths of love, hope, and zest were particularly associated with happiness; for older kids, happiness was most related to these same strengths (love, hope, and zest), plus gratitude.
• Strengths related to transcendence and temperance are often associated with increased life satisfaction in children and adolescents.

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2. Strong character traits improve one's psychological well-being

• Studies have shown that certain character strengths are associated with fewer psychological problems among youth, both internalizing (e.g., hope, zest, and leadership associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression) and externalizing (e.g. perseverance, honesty, prudence, and love associated with less aggression).

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3. Children that have strong character traits get along better with their peers

• Students rated as more popular by their teachers tend to rate more highly on leadership and fairness, as well as on temperance strengths such as self-regulation, prudence, and forgiveness.
• Kindness, teamwork, and social-emotional intelligence are other-directed traits connected with greater social functioning at school.

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4. Character strengths increase academic adjustment and success

• Student success in school, academic self-efficacy, and classroom behavior are all linked to students' strong character traits, according to research spanning from elementary school through high school.
• A person's academic success is not solely dependent on IQ; a variety of other factors have a role, too, from middle school through college.

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When personality begin to develop in Kids?

Every child is born with a unique collection of character qualities that distinguish him or her from others. While some infants enjoy the tinkling sounds of tinker toys, others do not. A teddy bear might be adored by some children, but others find them frightening.

These tiny choices reveal more about a person's character than any other characteristic. When children are 3-5 years old, you can observe some of their innate character qualities. These are your child's first impressions of the world. It's important to note that they're not set in stone and can be amended at any time.

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Developing one's character in the early years of life:

You as a parent may instill positive characteristics in your child at every stage of their development. It all starts with a child's awareness of the good in the world around them. This becomes an active part of their life when they feel good by being good. The power of laughter and the delight of giving can help people see the goodness and infuse it into their own hearts. You may be surprised to learn that by providing your child with the right environment, you can help them develop attributes that you lack. There is no age limit that restricts character building.

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To get ready for school:

The first time your child attends preschool, they'll meet a lot of other kids. You may teach your youngster a great deal about character traits during this time period. Your child will come back from school everyday with a new story. Listen to what they say and teach them lessons from their everyday stories. When you show your child examples from real life it helps them learn better. Tell them after they've done something well what characteristics they have that enabled them to accomplish it.. Tell your youngster that sharing a piece of chocolate with a buddy is an act of compassion. Tell them that this is how new friendships are formed.. Using your child's personal experiences to illustrate character traits will help them better understand.

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Middle school is an excellent time to identify more characteristics:

When your child is in the classroom, he or she will be exposed to a wide spectrum of emotions. This is also where kids learn about themselves and their personalities. During this stage, character and emotion intertwine. You need to pay attention to how they feel about a situation to help them grow better traits. What happens when your child is scolded by a teacher for chatting in class? Do they come back and complain to you, or do they simply narrate the incident? In case they complain, focus on teaching your child to understand that they were wrong and the teacher was right. Fairness is a character quality that your child will develop as a result of this experience. Again, at this stage in life, humility is a necessity. If you buy your child something that they can show off, teach them not to and tell them why. Tell your youngster that being proud of something you've given them isn't right. They should be proud of their goodness, kindness, and humility. Even appreciating your child for being humble will help them understand the importance of humility.

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Building traits in high school teens:

‍During the difficult adolescent years, you must also serve as a friend and a mentor in addition to your responsibilities as a parent. Now that your child has developed some definite characteristics, it's crucial to show them how these characteristics go a long way toward making their life meaningful. Show them examples of people who have resilience, confidence, kindness, patience and all the other qualities that helped them grow. 

How can you Help to Develop your Children's character?

Instilling all of a child's good character characteristics will take time, no matter how hard you try. Character is malleable, which means it can change over time. Your child's character can be shaped in many ways. This process is called character building. Your child's character and your relationship deepen as a result of this process.

You need to know all about character formation if you want to raise a child with the proper set of characteristics. Once your whys and hows come together, your child will receive the greatest instruction possible to help him or her develop excellent character qualities.

Character traits emerge as a result of a complex interplay of influences from the child's family, school, and community, as well as from the child's own temperament, experiences, and decisions. It's up to parents to help shape their children's character through a variety of opportunities and resources. When you use them, you'll get the delight of witnessing your children develop into morally upright adults.

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Show compassion to others

It is a wonderful approach to teach your children compassion and understanding by showing that you are truly interested in others when you meet them. Kids will follow your example if you show kindness and interest in others and what they have to say.

You may educate your children how to treat others with respect by demonstrating positive interactions with everyone you come into contact with. This includes everyone from your neighbors to your instructors to your friends to the security guard to your waiter.

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Build character through taking advantage of teachable moments

‍Children also need to learn that when they violate your family's guiding ethics, you will implement consequences with fairness and dignity. Effective discipline strategies help you use teachable moments to build character. When your child does anything bad, use the chance to explain why it is wrong. Make a habit of identifying in your own mind the value you wish to teach the child based on the particular behavior. For example:

Confessing and being held accountable are the most effective ways to resolve dishonesty. In some cases, sincerely apologizing to the individual who was wronged is enough; other times, you must take action to correct the situation (say, returning a "borrowed" toy to a friend or sibling). Children learn through consequences and discipline when you give them brief but plain explanations about why you have a family rule and the underlying value you hold: "When it comes to our family, honesty is a big deal. Was it ethical of you to pretend you didn't steal Arian's car? What actions should you take to put things right?"

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Take a Lesson From History

‍As a society, we tell stories and fables that can teach us morals and lessons that others have learnt before us. So we can remember where we've come from, but also to learn from others' mistakes and hardships and create a better route for ourselves in the future. 

By taking the time to tell your children stories about your family and ancestors, you can make this character-building practice even more personal. There is a chance that kids will learn about their ancestors and how they lived their lives, and they may be encouraged to follow in their footsteps. 

For extra fun, you can even do some family-themed arts and crafts together while you tell stories! Family trees, photo albums and tiny books with written stories and memories are all good options for keeping track of your family history.

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Tell Stories from Literature and Life

‍For centuries, parents and teachers utilized stories to teach children moral lessons. As you share stories about your life and the world around you, you impart moral and ethical teachings to your children. As you talk about the tales you see on television, in books, and in the media, you reinforce your beliefs.

Listening and responding to your children's tales of life at school and with their friends might aid them in deciding what is best for them. As adults, be aware of the fact that youngsters are listening in on your conversations with other adults.

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Words Have Power

‍Teaching your child character words is a simple yet highly effective way to build your child's character.

Sometimes, children are able to identify positive features and behaviors, but they lack the vocabulary to describe them. If you give children the right terminology for these behaviors, they will be able to recognize when they demonstrate good character on their own, as well as when others treat them in the same way.

To make these lessons interactive, try making a collage or painting about a single character word with images that depict what the trait means or looks like in action. You can also write a narrative or poetry that binds multiple character characteristics together, either the traits your child already has and does well, or perhaps the traits your child already processes and does well, or perhaps the traits your child would like to improve upon.

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Create Practice Opportunities

‍A child must practice the skills they've learned until they become second nature. This relates to character development as well. Character-building teachings can be taught to children both indirectly and directly, depending on their ages. But they need hands-on experience to know the true meaning of character.

When your child is faced with a decision (for example, needing to pick between two friends), encourage him/her to make an ethical choice and observe the good outcomes in him/her daily life. 

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Maintain a Journal of Character

‍Keep a character-building notebook for your child once they've begun learning about different kinds of character qualities and why they're essential. This will allow you to document your experiences with your child and keep track of the activities you both did together.

A journal is also an excellent tool for your child to reflect on the new characteristics he or she has learned about- as well as to review instances where these characteristics were expressed (or should have been displayed).

If you feel the pain of others and act to ease the pain, you have empathy. You are trustworthy if you are able to keep the secrets of others. All of these characteristics describe who we are as people. Some people cry during the movie "Titanic," while others don't. While some people are able to hold back their tears, others are unable to. This is due to the fact that we all have distinct personality types.

To live a meaningful life, there are more than fifty character traits that we can cultivate in ourselves. Additionally, we need to help our children develop these qualities in order for the world to be a better place. With the right set of traits, your child will grow into a responsible adult who knows how to care for nature and all around them.