Bringing P2 Home

There are several ways you, as parents, can support their children as they learn about the 24 character strengths and work to indentify character at work in themselves and others:

1. Take the free VIA Character Strengths Survey to learn more about your own character strengths and use this as a conversation starter for some deep family conversation.
   • Are you each surprised about one another's strengths?
   • How do you see each other's character play out in your actions and choices?
   • How do you care for each other as a family and show each other you matter to one another?
   • What character strengths would you like to strengthen? Why? How might you focus on that strength?
2. Understand that many misbehaviors we see in children come from an unbalanced and/or underdeveloped strengths. For example:
   
   • When a child appears timid or afraid, we want them to show BRAVERY. Instead of saying, "There's nothing to be afraid of," try saying, "Please use your strength of Bravery to try this."
   • When a child comes to tattle on his brother for something menial, instead of chastising for being a tattletale, try, "I see that you are using Integrity and want me to know he is doing something wrong, but I need you to also use your strengths of Social Intelligence and Prudence when deciding what to come tell me."
   • This guide can be helpful in matching some common behaviors to Character Strengths.
3. Talk with your child about the Character Strength being taught at school. For more information to assist in your conversations with your child, read the Family Information Letter on the Positivity Project Website.