larger view

   As the days stretch long and hot I cannot help but let my mind to wander. My son climbs on my back returning to some primitive monkey nature and I, filled with patience, sit and type. Today, as I muse wildly, I cannot help but ponder character. I have heard many a time that character isn't who you are when people see, but rather who you are when no one is looking. How then, as a parent, can I help my child to become a man of great character? How can I instill these values in him? How can I be certain that his character is one which I as a father can be proud of? Here are 10 Principles to Building Character in Your Kids:

1) Lots of time-outs: more time-outs = more opportunities to build character.

2) Take more naps (me): similar principle to time-outs. If no one is watching, then character can be built.

3) Spy: If he doesn't know I'm watching, then I can observe his character.

4) Embed subliminal messages children's CDs: Again, character is built without knowledge.

5) Invest in an intercom: Ethereal voices can be disguised to be ones own conscious speaking.

6) Inconsistent punishment and rewards: If you can't see your kid how do you really know what kind of character they've built and what they are really doing? This is a fail-safe if option 3 is not available.

7) Act your best in front of your children. While they can't see your character they can see who you pretend to be, so pretend to be someone great and they'll assume that is the way it is. This could "trickle-down" into them believing you behave the same way when no one is looking and that they should too.

8) Find your secret missing double: I've heard people say that somewhere in the world there is someone that looks exactly like you. If you could find this person, and they are amiable, then you could tag team with them to watch your kids. Your kids will only see "you" in a good mood.

9) Cardboard cut-outs of you doing chores: most of the time your kids are going to run through a room or just glance outside. If you have a cardboard cut-out in the backyard of you mowing the lawn or picking weeds chances are your kids will only glance and assume it really is you. That puppy will sink into the back of their minds and they will think you are really industrious when no one is looking. Of course, you could simply try Principle 10 and not risk getting caught.

10) If all else fails: act the same way in front of your children as you do when not in front of them. You'd be surprised how much the kids are actually looking and what they really see. This one is a pretty safe bet as long as you act good in front of them.

What do you think? Any more suggestions to build character?