When we talk about “character,” we’re referring to the values and traits that guide how a person thinks, feels, and acts. It’s the compass people use to navigate relationships, challenges, and decisions in school, at home, and out in the world. 

A person of strong character consistently chooses to do the right thing—even when it’s not the easy thing. They’re the quiet heroes among us: the person who stands up for another, picks up litter at the park, or owns up to a mistake and makes it right. These everyday acts are the building blocks of a better community, and a better future. 

What is Character Education? 

Character education is the intentional effort to help children understand, care about, and practice core values like honesty, kindness, and responsibility. It happens in: 

Our homes
Our schools
Our communities

It’s about more than telling kids to “be good.” It’s about helping them live out their values in ways that are meaningful, consistent, and compassionate. Think of character education as planting seeds of kindness, courage, and integrity that we water every day at home, in school, and throughout the community. It’s a purposeful way of helping children understand, care about, and live out core values that matter. 

It’s not just about rules or discipline, it’s about helping kids grow into thoughtful, resilient, and responsible adults. And just like any garden, character grows best with time, attention, and love. 

The Four Dimensions of Character 

💖 Moral & Ethical Strengths 

Traits like kindness, honesty, gratitude, and integrity shape who children are on the inside. These values help kids treat others with compassion, choose fairness over favoritism, and appreciate the little things in life. Kids who develop these strengths know that even the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s day—and maybe even their world. 

💪 Performance Strengths

Think grit, responsibility, and self-discipline. These are the traits that help kids work through frustration, keep promises, and set meaningful goals. They’re what help children keep trying, even after they’ve failed. And let’s be honest; raising a child who doesn’t give up when things get tough? That’s a superpower. 

🧠 Intellectual Strengths 

Curiosity, open-mindedness, and critical thinking are all part of this category. Kids with strong intellectual character love learning, ask great questions, and are willing to consider new ideas, even when it means admitting they were wrong. It’s about raising thinkers, not just followers. 

🌍 Civic Strengths 

These include fairness, respect, and a desire to help others through volunteerism and service. Children with civic strengths understand that they’re part of something bigger. Whether it’s helping a neighbor or standing up for what’s right, they see themselves as contributors to their community. 

As an act of citizenship, commit to strengthening your character strengths and those of the young people you care about.