NCJ Number
209275
Date Published
2001
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This booklet instructs parents in how to teach their 13-to-18-year-olds the character traits of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.
Abstract
For each of these character traits, the booklet first provides a general definition and then lists the actions that reflect the "dos" and "don'ts" of the trait. The booklet then explains to parents how to cultivate these traits in 13- to 18-year-olds through teaching, enforcing, advocating, and modeling each of the character traits. Among the 17 activities listed as teaching techniques are the use of movies, games, stories, and music that illustrate the trait; the discussion of rules, requirements, and consequences; assignment of responsibilities and tasks; discussion of hypothetical choices; and the interpretation of the role of empathy and ethics in relationships. The enforcement of consequences for violations of character-related expectations shows the seriousness of character failings. Further, parents should continually advocate for the importance of ethical behavior in various contexts of daily life, both experienced and observed. Modeling means that parents demonstrate in their interactions with their children, their spouses, their friends, work colleagues, and strangers the character traits they wish their children to emulate. Specific suggestions are offered for parental modeling behaviors likely to be observed by children. Guidance is also provided on dealing with special ethical problems typically faced by 13- to 18-year-olds, namely, driving, lying, grades, sex, peer pressure, cheating, moral confusion, shoplifting, and a history of bad choices.