Some Favorite Resources for Building Character
During the month of May we are praying that our kids would have integrity. I love this prayer so much. It is such a big calling to raise kids with good character and integrity. Sometimes it seems incredibly daunting! It can be so frustrating when we catch our kids in a lie, being sneaky, or not treating others in a way we expect. The reality is, we are sinners raising sinners and that is why we need Jesus! Amen!?
Today we want to share two of our favorite resources for teaching kids about character and integrity.
For our first resource, let’s cut to the heart of the matter:
Fruit Full by Christie Thomas
We adore Christie and all of her books, but we are especially loving Fruit Full right now! This book has 100 family experiences that help you and your kids understand and grow in the fruit of the Spirit. I love this book because Christie emphasizes that the fruits of the Spirit are not rules or character traits to live by, instead they are evidence of a life filled with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In other words, it’s not about practicing being more loving…we can’t actually do that with our own power. But, when we accept Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are able to love more through God’s love.
Christie seeks true heart transformation by a life and heart changed by Jesus!
Each chapter helps families grow closer to Jesus by sharing a passage of Scripture, a short devotional, and a fun and meaningful discussion starter and prayer time. We have had some incredibly deep and meaningful conversations while reading this book together.
For our second resource, let’s get real practical:
Ninja Life Hacks by Mary Nhin
I stumbled upon these books when I was trying to find a book to help my middle son with some frustrating things he was struggling with. He loves ninjas and so I thought I would check them out and I love them! Just so you know, these books are not faith-based, but they are very positive and so far, I have not seen anything controversial in the two sets that I have, Mover and Shaker and Growth Mindset.
Each box set has 8 books. For example, the Growth Mindset box set has the books:
Gritty Ninja
Anxious Ninja
Perfect Ninja
Money Ninja
Diversity Ninja
Shy Ninja
Unplugged Ninja
Dishonest Ninja
When I first ordered these books, our middle guy was in a phase where he grew easily frustrated when he didn’t pick up on something right away. Specifically, he was struggling to ride a two wheel bike. A lot of things come naturally to him, so when something doesn’t he gets angry and quits. I read Gritty Ninja to him and it was really helpful in giving him practical tools to use when he felt like giving up.
Every book has something practical for kids to work on whether it’s money management, organization, patience. etc. The books are easy enough to read that a beginning reader could look through them alone, though I recommend reading them together so you can add your own insights and ideas, and you can keep track of what they are learning. Plus, the pictures in these books are bright, cheerful, and engaging! Definitely check them out!
And here is a bonus resource we created to catch our kids doing the right thing.
Kindness Chart
This is a fun printable to put up in your home and give your kids stickers when you catch them being kind, showing integrity, encouraging a family member, standing up for what’s right, telling the truth, etc.
