Behavior Correction vs. Character Formation

Behavior Correction vs. Character Formation

Today, I want to talk about the difference between behavior correction and character formation.

Often as parents, we can spend our time focusing on correcting bad behavior. This isn’t necessarily wrong, however, the goal is ultimately character formation. With a slight change in our communication with our kids, we can focus more on character formation which will lead to behavior correction.

Let me explain: Psychologist Christopher Bryan did a series of experiments discovering that kids between the ages of three and six were 29% more likely to clean up toys when they were asked to “be helpers” (character formation) instead of “to help” behavior correction.

In light of this, he suggests we be mindful of how we communicate. Here’s an example that works for adults.  Instead of saying, “Don’t Drink and Drive” (behavior), it would be better to say “Don’t be a drunk driver (character). When a child draws a picture, instead of saying the artwork is creative, say, “You are creative.”

The primary point is this: as we seek to correct and mold behavior, move beyond that and go for a higher calling: focus on character formation and call your kids to a higher standard. Shaping their character will shape their behavior.