52 Character Building Thoughts for Children

By Leah Davies, M.Ed.

# How I look is not as important as how I act.

# I treat others the way I want them to treat me.

# I am a good sport; I follow the rules, take turns and play fair.

# It is okay to laugh at funny things, but not to laugh at others.

# I do not gossip; if I cannot say anything helpful, I do not say anything at all.

# When I am sad, I help myself feel better by thinking of things that are good in my life.

# In order to have friends, I must act in a kind way.

# I believe that I am someone who can do important things.

# What I say and how I say it tells others the kind of person I am.

# I appreciate my family, my teachers, and my school.

# I treat everyone with respect.

# When I listen, I show others that I care about them.

# I am being a good citizen when I volunteer to help others.

# I think for myself and make smart choices that are good for me.

# Each day offers a new start to do my best.

# I try to understand what my friends are feeling.

# Everyone makes mistakes, so instead of getting angry with myself, I try to do better.

# I do not give up; I keep trying until I can do my work.

# Sharing with others makes me feel good and makes them feel good too.

# I work out my problems without hurting myself or others.

# I am being polite when I wait for my turn and say please and thank you.

# When I smile at people, they usually smile back.

# I encourage my friends to do their best.

# My values guide me to do what is right.

# I am honest; I do not cheat or steal.

# When I am angry, I use self-control and do not hurt others.

# I am being creative when I dance, draw, paint or write a poem or story.

# I say, “No!” to things that could hurt my body like tobacco and alcohol.

# When I do what I say I will do, I am being responsible.

# I am grateful for what I have, so I share with others.

# I try to learn something new each day.

# When things do not go my way, I stop and think of what I can do to make them better.

# I do not make fun of other children because I don’t know what their life is like.

# I feel successful when I do my best.

# Everyone has good and bad feelings.

# I take care of myself by eating healthy food, exercising and getting enough rest.

# I am being punctual when I am on time and do not keep people waiting.

# When I cooperate with others, I get more done.

# I follow the rules and try to make my school a better place.

# I like to get to know children who are different from me.

# Since I tell the truth, my friends trust me.

# I look for what is good in others and I say what I like about them.

# I buy only what I need and I save my money.

# When I use my time wisely, there is usually enough time to do what I want to do.

# I think before I act; how I act affects how others treat me.

# Using manners helps me keep my friends.

# I have courage to stand up for children who are teased.

# Before I do something, I ask myself, “Is it safe?”

# I am me — I do not try to be like someone else.

# I care about living things on earth so I recycle and do not litter.

# When I write down what I think and feel, I learn about myself.

# I plan ahead and think about what I want to do when I grow up.

By Leah Davies, M.Ed.