Building character is a life long process, it actually never ends. Once the foundation is set, we continue to add to it and perfect it.

The first pillar of character that we are focusing on is Trustworthiness. 

It is the ability to be relied on as honest or truthful.  

What Hinders Trustworthiness?

The first hindrance to trustworthiness is not being taught what it is and its importance. 

Do you remember the childhood book, The Boy Who Cried Wolf?  I'm not sure how much its being read now, but those of us who are familiar with the story, know the consequences.  

We have to teach our children what trustworthiness is. At Girls and Boys Of Character, we understand that experiencing personal life lessons can have a lasting effect on building character.

A Personal Life Lesson

We have given our Mentees a sealed envelope inside of a plastic baggie.  Their instructions are simply:

1. Do not open the envelope.  

2. Bring the envelope with you to our after school program. 

Real simple instructions right?  Well we thought so.

You would be both amazed and tickled (although you couldn't show it) at the number of  "What if's."

For instance, "What if you accidentally opened the envelope?"

We also explained to them that it was their responsibility to maintain the envelope, not their parents. 

We are at week two and here's the stats: 

1. One envelope is no longer in the child's possession. (Not that fault of the child.)

2. One envelope is in a Case Worker's possession because it was left on the table.  And the Mentee is not aware of it. 

We're eager to see the results after the first 30 days.  (Stay tuned so that you won't miss it.)

While working the pillar of trustworthiness, we've had actual opportunities to put our focus on this pillar during lesson time. 

When one Mentee was asked if he actually did something, the Case Manager asked, "Are you being trustworthy now?"

He paused, smiled and admitted to the boyish thing he did.

Life lessons can be in the smallest of details but have everlasting memories.

Take the time to ask your children how trustworthy they were for the day.  

Actually, that's a good question to pose to ourselves. 

Picture Credit: Cytonn Photography @Unsplash.com