My most vivid childhood memories are rooted in experiences, not words. I remember what happened far more than I remember what people said. I’m sure that’s true for most of us. You probably don’t remember being told to avoid hot stoves, but I’ll bet you remember the first time you touched one.
That’s why, when I was raising my boys, I knew experiences would impart wisdom and strengthen their character more effectively than lectures would. Plenty of situations on the playground and at school taught them to be kind and to stand for what’s right. Last minute science projects taught them to follow through and finish a job (and maybe plan ahead next time). Helping plan family camping trips taught them to focus on other people’s interests, not just their own.
Even unremarkable experiences are powerful enough to transform a child. You don’t have to jump out of airplanes to communicate a point. A ball tossed around the yard or a drive through the country together will do. I even took my boys to workshops at Home Depot on Saturday mornings. Not only did they learn to build stuff, but they were introduced to important life-principles along the way, like patience, following instructions, and creative thinking.
The old saying is really true: Actions speak louder than words. To raise kids with character, find ways for them to experience truth rather than just hear about it.
