Parenting from the Tree of Life - Article
Virtue/Vice Chart
How to use this in your family?
Families have used this chart as a tool to help their family promote each character presented on this Virtue/Vice Chart.
We encourage families to introduce one virtue per week, keeping age appropriateness in mind. Choose a suitable time, such mealtime devotion, to begin exploring the definition of the virtue and discuss its corresponding vice.
Start by asking questions like: What do you think ‘Attentiveness’ means? then ask What does ‘Distraction’ mean? Then read the definition provided on the chart and encourage your children to suggest synonyms for each key word, breaking it down into simple words. This will facilitate a deeper understanding of the virtue.
Next, have your children provide examples of what the virtue might look like in action.
Encourage them to practice this virtue throughout the week, offering honest praise when you observe this virtuous behaviour. Additionally, invite children to recognize and praise the virtuous actions in their siblings and parents – this helps them recognise the virtue in others as well.
For further motivation, consider using a marble jar system: moving marbles from one jar to another each time someone sees and praises a virtuous act. At the end of the week, reflect with the family on these actions and share observations. If all marbles have been transferred, you may wish to celebrate with a special dessert or treat as a reward.
You might ask… Is this a bribe? Well, yes, technically it is – but its purpose is to establish and promote virtuous behaviour, making it an effective and acceptable. This incentive is intended solely as a teaching tool, not for ongoing use to reinforce the virtue in action – but praise for the virtue in action is certainly ongoing.
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