Downloadable Resources to Build Self-Control
How to Use the Resources to Teach Self-Control
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:
-
- definition card – to build an understanding of self-control.
- verse card – to memorize why self-control is important.
- question/challenge – to discuss or practice self-control.
- character certificate – to recognize monthly progress in acquiring self-control.
- reward coupon – to have fun and show your child how proud you are of them!
Use some or all of the resources to build self-control 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.
Self-control is just one of the 12 character traits we want to help you build in your kids. Here are more.
Why Self-Control Is Important for Kids
My kids have always loved Halloween because of the parties, costumes, and friends. For little ones with over-active imaginations, the idea of dressing up as somebody new for the night is very appealing. They will often choose outfits together, like the year my son played a knight, complete with chainmail armor, shield, and a plastic sword, protecting his sister, who found the glitteriest princess dress in town.
Oh, and there’s a seemingly endless supply of their favorite thing – candy.
Halloween’s most sugary variable can sometimes pose a problem. It’s hard to eat just one, right? My kids go bonkers for the sweet stuff, gobbling up Reese’s and tearing through Twix like it’s their job.
Each year, their candy cravings offer an open door to discussing self-control.
Self-control is restraining your actions, words, or feelings. My kids struggle with that around Halloween. If I let them, their Halloween haul would be gone in an hour. They would sit on the couch and eat every last piece until their stomach begged them to stop. Kids rarely possess self-control, but it’s a vital lesson to learn now, when the problem is with something mild like candy, rather than later when peer pressure could push them to try things that are far more damaging than a Snickers bar.
How to Teach Self-Control to Kids
Talk about overindulging.
Teach your children that too much of anything is not good. This goes for candy, free time, and yes, even money! When we have too much of something, we tend to misuse it. Everything that is good is only good in moderation. Denying ourselves and showing self-control keeps us from abusing things.
Show how self-control keeps us safe.
Next time you are driving with your children, point out the speed limit sign. Explain to them that going faster than that posted speed is unsafe. Make the connection that it takes self-control to not drive faster than the speed limit, but it’s always safer to do so.
Talk about your missteps.
Share examples of when you or others stumbled because of a lack of self-control. Make sure to use age-appropriate stories. If your children are very young, talk about how sharp words can hurt others. If they are older, talk about how avoiding the misuse of drugs or sex requires self-control.
Praise them when you see self-control in action.
I saw my son put potato chips in a bowl instead of eating them straight from the bag. He portioned some out and put the rest away, showing self-control. If you see your kids exhibit this character trait, say, “Wow. That took self-control. Way to go.” Helping them recognize what it is in real life will make them more likely to choose self-control again in the future.
