As a teacher giving conferences to parents, I always start by telling a “unique quality” I see in their child. This year, a few students stood out to me as HUMBLE. This was the first year I have used this character trait.
In today’s society of praising children for things that should be expected, and praising children for how smart or athletic they are, I am seeing students who really, in my daughter’s words, “Think they are all that!” It is a false sense of greatness I am seeing in many students. Many students put themselves on pedestals above other children for being a better reader, a better athlete, or a better anything! On the flip side, I have students who are the best reader, the best athlete, the best whatever, and you just see them encouraging others. This is a great character trait. Humbleness. They know they are good at something; however, they are satisfied with just knowing it and not having to “one up” another person.
How do we teach humbleness? We can start by praising our children, of course, but following up by stating, “You ARE doing great in school and I am proud of you, but remember, there are kids who also work hard and only can earn a C.” We can also remind our children in sports or dance that there is always something more to learn. Very few of our children will be Olympians, professional athletes, or professional dancers. Even if our child DOES excel at a sport or subject, remind him, “I am on the right track, and I should continue to work hard to keep achieving at this level.”
The quote of the week in class is, “Always stay humble and kind,” from Tim McGraw’s song “Humble and Kind.” We all should desire to have humble and kind children, for THAT is the kind of child others will want to be around each day. THAT is the kind of child who WILL excel on the sports field, the classroom, and the work force. Humbleness makes you stand out for all the right reasons!
