We look at the parent’s role in character education, where instilling the values of responsibility, respect and resilience are important.
Parents all want their children to succeed academically, but true success goes beyond good grades. Character education – instilling values such as responsibility, respect and resilience – is just as important as academic achievement. Schools play a role in shaping character, says Shani Brest, foundation phase educator at Bellavista School, but the foundation is built at home. Brest provides a few ideas to help nurture these essential qualities in your child.
teaching responsibility
Responsibility is a key trait that helps children become independent, reliable and accountable for their actions. As parents, you can encourage more responsibility by following the advice below.
Give age-appropriate chores
Assigning tasks like setting the table, making their bed or organising their school bag teaches children accountability.
Encourage follow-through
Ensure your child completes homework, commitments, and chores on time. Setting reminders and offering praise can reinforce this habit.
Teach consequences
Help children understand that actions have consequences. If they forget their homework, let them face the teacher’s reaction rather than rushing to fix it for them.
Modelling responsibility
Children learn best by example. Show responsibility in your actions, such as keeping promises, paying bills on time and admitting mistakes.
instilling respect
Respect for oneself and others fosters positive relationships and a strong sense of community. Here are some ways to cultivate respect in children.
Be a role model
Treat others, including your child, with kindness and respect. They will mirror your behaviour.
Teach manners and empathy
Simple habits such as saying “please” and “thank you”, or listening attentively can go a long way. Encourage your child to consider other people’s feelings before acting.
Encourage respect for authority
Teach children to listen to teachers, follow school rules and understand that authority figures are there to guide and protect them.
Set boundaries
Help children understand personal space, digital etiquette and the importance of speaking politely even when disagreeing.
Also, read our article on building an emotional connection with your child.
building resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and handle life’s challenges with a positive attitude. Here’s how you can help your child develop resilience.
Encourage problem-solving
Instead of immediately offering solutions, ask your child what they think they should do in a tough situation. This builds critical thinking and confidence.
Allow failure as a learning experience
Teach your child that failure isn’t the end, but a stepping stone to growth. Share your personal setbacks and explain how you overcame them.
Support a growth mindset
Praise effort and process rather than just results. Statements like “I’m proud of how hard you worked” encourage perseverance.
Provide emotional support
Let your child know that feeling upset, frustrated or disappointed is normal. Encourage open discussions about their feelings and ways to cope.
the parent’s role in everyday life
- Consistent reinforcement. Character traits are learned through everyday interactions. Reinforce lessons through daily conversations, discipline and praise.
- Read together. Books with moral lessons can be a great way to discuss values in a relatable way.
- Encourage community involvement. Volunteering, helping a neighbour or participating in school initiatives can reinforce the importance of kindness and responsibility.
Teaching responsibility, respect and resilience is a continuous process that requires patience and consistency. When parents actively model and reinforce these values, children grow into responsible, respectful and resilient individuals. By working together with schools, parents can ensure their children not only succeed academically, but also develop the character needed to navigate life with confidence and integrity.
