Dr. Scott Turansky

Dr. Scott Turansky offers moms practical, real-life advice for many of parenting’s greatest challenges. read bio

Character Training Step 1: Observation – Recognize the Problem

By Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN

Begin the process by taking time to identify and write out negative behaviors that need to change. Such behaviors are symptoms of character weaknesses. To get started, ask yourself questions such as "What is actually happening here? What words are being used? What don't I like about this?" Many times negative behaviors may seem to be totally independent and unrelated to each other, but as you write them down, you will see patterns of behavior. Don't try to make conclusions; just list as many facts as you can. You won't show this list to each child. It's merely a helpful worksheet for you. Your list may start out like this:

• Didn't finish homework again yesterday
• Leaves room messy
• Doesn't complete chores without being reminded
• Quits a game when not winning
• Hits his brother
• Says, "I can't do it," instead of trying to read difficult words

Click here for Step 2: Diagnosis – Name the Character Weakness

Excerpt from Eight Tools for Effective Parenting by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. Used with permission.