Raising children to become decent and responsible adults is a complex and challenging job- one that is becoming increasingly difficult in our society. To be a person of good character, youth must develop strengths. They must know what is good; they must desire to do the good; they must be willing to do good, and they must develop a lifestyle that supports the desire and willingness to do good.

As a school-age child care provider, you play a critical role in a child's development of good character.

Qualities that define good character have been debated by various groups, but in 1992, the Josephson Institute of Ethics, with the help of scholars, parents, youth workers and others, published theAspen Declaration. This Declaration has become the corner-stone for the character development education programs in the United States. The Aspen Declaration states:

1. The next generation will be the stewards of the world.
2. The well-being of society needs citizens with good character.
3. People do not automatically develop good moral character.
4. Character education is based on core ethical values (pillars of character development): trustworthiness, respect for others, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
5. These core values transcend cultural, religious and socioeconomic differences.
6. Although character education is first and foremost an obligation of families, it is also an obligation of faith communities, the community in general, schools, and youth and family serving organizations.
7. Youth have a better chance of learning moral values if all groups work together to teach and reinforce moral values.
8. Every adult must take responsibility to model and teach the pillars of character development.

You can see that although this Declaration was developed as recently as 1992, 4-H, and other youth programs have been using similar guidelines since the turn of the century!

The chart on this page highlights the pillars of character and how you can help your children develop these qualities.

The most effective way to TEACH the pillars of character development is to MODEL the qualities. Action speaks louder than words. Allow discussions of moral dilemmas concerning character. You are one of the most important teachers of your school-agers.

Make sure you know your values, that your members and their parents know your values, and most importantly, that your values are obvious in your program.

A school-age program that stresses character development will help youth learn: I am responsible for what I do; I am responsible for treating people with respect and consideration; I am responsible to support my community and the world; I am responsible for treating the earth with respect; I am responsible for accepting individual differences; and I am responsible to do what I say. In such an environment, youth will develop the character needed to be competent, caring and contributing adults.

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

Character Counts. Character Counts Coalition: Josephson Institute of Ethics, CA. Character Education Partnership. Alexandria, VA.

Kilpatrick, William. Why Johnny Can't Tell Right from Wrong. NY: Simon and Schuster, 1992.

Lickona, Dr. Thomas. Raising Good Children. NY: Bantam Books, 1994.

Ways To Develop The Six Pillars Of Character Development
Pillars Of Character Teach Your Children To:
Trustworthiness	be honest, stand up for their beliefs, show commitment, keep promises, don't ask someone to do any thing wrong, don't gossip, stand by your friends and family.
Respect	be courteous, polite, tolerate the different views of others, be on time, listen to others, respect other's decisions, judge people on merit, use peaceful methods to solve conflicts, take pride in their appearance, take care of their property and the property of others.
Responsibility	think before they act, take responsibility for their actions, set a good example, do their best, not lose their temper, complete tasks, be a good sport,return borrowed things.
Fairness	treat people fairly, listen to others, never cheat, play by the rules.
Caring	treat others as they want to be treated.
Citizenship	respect authority, protect the environment, volunteer in the community.

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