4 Ways to Help Your Child Develop Wisdom
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
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At National Heritage Academies (NHA®), we believe a strong education is more than academics it’s about shaping character. That’s why our Moral Focus™ curriculum teaches students virtues that help children grow into kind, responsible people. Each month, we highlight a virtue to help students grow into responsible, compassionate leaders. In September, we focus on Wisdom.
When we think of wisdom, we often picture older adults who have learned a lot through life. But wisdom isn’t just for grown-ups. Kids can show wisdom when they think before acting, solve a problem in a fair way, or make choices that show good judgment. Wisdom means using what you know to make the right decision.
NHA Moral Focus Specialist Colby Tein explains it like this:
“Wisdom is a virtue that can be developed through encouraging children to stop, think, then act. Ask questions such as, ‘What is the right thing to do?’, ‘What might happen if you choose this?’, or ‘Will your actions be helpful or hurtful?’ to guide decision making. Another way to grow wisdom in children is by modeling with real-life examples how to weigh options, learn from mistakes, and choose what feels right.”
Tein has some ways you can help your child practice wisdom at home:
Kids learn a lot just by watching. If you think through your choices out loud, or share what you learned from a past mistake, your child sees wisdom in action.
It can be hard to watch your child make mistakes, but those moments are powerful teachers. For example, if they forget gym shoes and aren’t able to participate in the fun of gym class chances are they won’t forget it next time. Small mistakes help kids learn to make better choices in the future.
Talk often with your child about their interests, strengths, and goals. When they have a picture of what success looks like, it’s easier for them to make wise choices today that will lead to a brighter tomorrow.
Friends matter. The people your child spends time with can shape how they act. Talk with your child about what makes a good friend so they can choose friends who encourage them to do what’s right.
At NHA, we know that raising wise, thoughtful children takes teamwork between home and school. By guiding, modeling, and encouraging smart choices, we can help children grow into thoughtful, caring, and confident leaders.
When we think of wisdom, we often picture older adults who have learned a lot through life. But wisdom isn’t just for grown-ups. Kids can show wisdom when they think before acting, solve a problem in a fair way, or make choices that show good judgment. Wisdom means using what you know to make the right decision.
NHA Moral Focus Specialist Colby Tein explains it like this:
“Wisdom is a virtue that can be developed through encouraging children to stop, think, then act. Ask questions such as, ‘What is the right thing to do?’, ‘What might happen if you choose this?’, or ‘Will your actions be helpful or hurtful?’ to guide decision making. Another way to grow wisdom in children is by modeling with real-life examples how to weigh options, learn from mistakes, and choose what feels right.”
Tein has some ways you can help your child practice wisdom at home:
1. Show Them How It’s Done
Kids learn a lot just by watching. If you think through your choices out loud, or share what you learned from a past mistake, your child sees wisdom in action.
2. Let Them Learn from Consequences
It can be hard to watch your child make mistakes, but those moments are powerful teachers. For example, if they forget gym shoes and aren’t able to participate in the fun of gym class chances are they won’t forget it next time. Small mistakes help kids learn to make better choices in the future.
3. Stay Involved
Talk often with your child about their interests, strengths, and goals. When they have a picture of what success looks like, it’s easier for them to make wise choices today that will lead to a brighter tomorrow.
4. Pay Attention to Their Friends
Friends matter. The people your child spends time with can shape how they act. Talk with your child about what makes a good friend so they can choose friends who encourage them to do what’s right.At NHA, we know that raising wise, thoughtful children takes teamwork between home and school. By guiding, modeling, and encouraging smart choices, we can help children grow into thoughtful, caring, and confident leaders.