Downloadable Resources to Build Humility
How to Use the Resources to Teach Humility
For a fun and structured way to build character in your kids all year long, download the calendar and stickers.
Each calendar month focuses on a unique character trait. And each character trait has a unique printable teaching resource to help you build character in your child. You can download it below.
The resource includes:
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- definition card – to build an understanding of humility.
- verse card – to memorize why humility is important.
- question/challenge – to discuss or practice humility.
- character certificate – to recognize monthly progress in acquiring humility.
- reward coupon – to have fun and show your child how proud you are of them!
Use some or all of the resources to build humility in your child all month. You can also use the printable sticker sheet to cut out and place stickers on dates you see your child showing the trait you’re working on that month. You just need one 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of sticker paper.
Humility is just one of the 12 character traits we want to help you build in your kids. Here are more.
Why Humility Is Important for Kids
I coached swim teams for over 20 years. It was always a passion of mine to see swimmers working hard, cutting through the water, and posting faster times each race. The best part of swim meets for me was seeing the faster swimmers cheering on slower teammates and celebrating their successes. When you are used to winning and taking home trophies, it is easy to become arrogant. After all, you are the biggest, fastest, and strongest. It’s not always natural to step down off the pedestal and take joy in the achievement of others who also worked hard but didn’t get that first-place finish.
Being that kind of person requires humility.
Humility is putting others before yourself and having a modest view of your own importance. As author C.S. Lewis says, it’s not thinking less of yourself, but rather thinking of yourself less. Kids tend to be naturally selfish, so teaching them to practice humility breaks that inclination. It’s a quality that serves children well in sports, school, and social settings. Showing humility is not the same as acting inferior or unworthy but rather is a sign of genuine self-confidence. It keeps kids from looking inwardly too much and promotes an others-focused life. When you raise humble kids, they understand they are not the center of the universe.
Humility is an underrated and often overlooked character trait but one that brings true freedom. If your kids win medals or get straight A’s, great. Teaching them to do their best while championing others along the way is as good as any trophy they could ever win.
How to Teach Humility to Kids
Build kids up.
It’s important to understand that humility always comes from a position of belief, strength, and self-assurance. When kids are confident in who they are, they will have less hesitation in elevating, encouraging, and inspiring others.
Break out the crayons.
Have your kids color pictures of the same thing. Then ask them to compliment different aspects of each other’s work using questions like, “What do you like most about Mike’s drawing?” There will be some similarities and one drawing may be better than the others, but humility means looking past whose is “best” and finding what’s good and commendable about each effort.
Teach them to apologize.
It’s hard to say we are sorry. It’s especially difficult if the unintended consequences of our actions led to someone else getting hurt. This is a growth opportunity for kids. Apologizing requires us to think of others more than ourselves.
Send them on a mission trip.
Going to places where people are less fortunate can instill a sense of humility in a teen or young adult. It can open their eyes to the blessings they have and what not to take for granted. There are plenty of church groups that take kids on mission trips. Try asking friends if they know of any good ones.
Focus on the journey.
Results are not everything. Only those who consistently win are married to the idea that it’s the only life variable that counts. Humility is fostered when we teach our kids to approach life as a team sport rather than a one-on-one battle. Learning and growing in the process are as valuable as the outcome in many cases.
