10 Easy Ways to Build Good Character in Kids at Home
Let’s be real—raising a kind, respectful kid in today’s world feels like swimming upstream. You tell them to be honest, but they hear classmates brag about cheating. You teach respect, but then they see adults yelling on TV or online. So how do we raise kids who do the right thing, even when nobody’s watching?
You start at home.
Every day.
With the small stuff.
As a parent and educator, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. This isn’t about lectures or long talks. This is about daily actions that shape your child’s character, one choice at a time.
Let’s dive into 10 easy (but powerful) ways you can start building good character in kids—starting tonight at the dinner table.
1. Model What You Want to See
Kids may not listen to everything we say, but they always watch what we do. Want your child to be respectful? Show them what respect looks like—especially when you’re angry.
When you say “please” to the waiter, they notice.
When you apologize after snapping, they notice.
When you cheat on your taxes or gossip about your neighbor… yep, they notice that too.
Your everyday choices are louder than any lecture. You are the blueprint.
2. Use Praise the Right Way
Most parents praise their kids. But here’s the truth—generic praise is useless. It does nothing to build character.
Saying “good job” for everything waters down the message. Instead, focus on what they did and why it mattered.
Examples:
“I saw you hold the door for Grandma. That showed real kindness.”
“You told the truth, even though it was hard. That took courage.”
When you name the character trait, you help them own it. That’s what sticks.
3. Let Consequences Teach the Lesson
Sometimes the best way to build character is to stop rescuing your kid.
If they lie and lose your trust—let them feel it.
If they forget their homework—let them face the teacher.
Don’t swoop in every time. Don’t soften every blow.
Natural consequences build grit. And grit builds character.
4. Start the Dinner Table Question Game
Want a fast, fun, and easy way to build good character in kids?
Ask better questions at dinner.
Here are a few starters:
“What’s one kind thing you did today?”
“Did you see someone being brave?”
“When was a time you told the truth, even if it was hard?”
Make it a game. Go around the table. Listen. Share your own stories too.
Dinner becomes more than a meal. It becomes a classroom.
5. Tell Stories About Real People (Not Just Superheroes)
Kids love stories. But they don’t need to hear about perfect heroes in capes.
Tell them about Rosa Parks. Malala. Mr. Rogers. Or someone in your family who stood up for what was right.
Share moments when you were scared—and did the right thing anyway.
Or times you didn’t, and what you learned.
Real stories. Real people. Real lessons.
(And if you work at a school, check out this guide to character education in schools—it includes great story ideas.)
6. Create a “Family Code”
Sit down one night and ask your kids: “What kind of family do we want to be?”
Write it down together:
We help each other.
We tell the truth.
We try again when we mess up.
Keep it short. Make it visible—on the fridge, by the door.
Refer back to it when things go sideways:
“Hey, in this family, we try again. Let’s fix it.”
That little code becomes your family compass.
7. Use Mistakes as Character Moments
Your kid messes up? Good. That’s your chance.
Say:
“How can we make this right?”
“What do you think a kind person would do next?”
“What would you do differently next time?”
Let them talk it out. Let them feel the weight—but also the chance to grow.
Don’t just punish. Coach.
Every mistake is a doorway to stronger character.
8. Focus on Effort, Not Just Outcome
If your child gets an A because they cheated, that’s not success.
If they try their hardest and get a B, that’s a win.
Say it out loud:
“I’m proud of how hard you worked.”
“You didn’t give up. That matters more than the grade.”
This builds resilience. This builds character.
If you’re not sure how schools can help with this, here’s another resource for character education in schools.
9. Say “Thank You” More Than You Think You Should
Gratitude changes everything.
Want your child to be less entitled? Less whiny? More aware?
Say thank you—to the bus driver, to your spouse, to them.
And make them say it too.
Create habits like:
“What’s one thing you’re grateful for today?”
“Who helped you today?”
A thankful heart builds a grounded child.
10. Do One Kind Act a Day—Together
Hold a door. Write a card. Let someone go first.
Do it together.
Then ask:
“How did that feel?”
“Why do you think kindness matters?”
Simple acts add up.
And the child who makes kindness a daily habit? That’s a child with strong character.
What Really Builds Character in Kids?
It’s not one big moment. It’s the small ones.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.
Building good character in kids doesn’t come from a lecture or a worksheet. It comes from what they see, what they hear, and what they feel at home.
Your home is their first school.
You are their first teacher.
And every day is a lesson.
Want to Inspire Your School?
My “Yes I Can” Character Education school assembly is the perfect ‘kickoff’ to a school-wide campaign for a positive environment. Filled with magic, kid-friendly humor, and loads of interaction, your teachers and students will love it. Find out more today.