4 Square Life - Character Trait Examples using the four techniques

Wisdom:
Gaining in knowledge, understanding, and discernment; developing a sense of right and wrong; understanding when to stand firm and when to bend.

Trait Example: Building Character, honesty and manners

0-18 months
Model – speaking to others politely, using polite words

Teach – using words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’

Train – carry out the action, having them say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’

Grace – give them gentle reminders when they forget


1.5 – 2
Model – demonstrate when you are wrong, apologize

Teach – explain rewards and consequences to behavior

Train – have them experience the rewards and consequences for behaviors

Grace – give them second chances to make good choices


3-4
Model – model in your relationships and interactions with others

Teach – teach them to express emotions constructively

Train – use charts and stickers

Grace – use ‘I forgive you’ when your child apologizes


Stature:
Growing to physical adulthood, but also becoming a person of integrity, character, and strength.

Trait Example: Building a healthy lifestyle

0-18 months
Model – taking walks with your child, limiting TV

Teach – teach them to eat good foods

Train – giving them baths and washing hands, cleanliness

Grace – reminders to wash, eat veggies, limit TV, and give some treats


Favor with God:
Growing into someone who loves and trusts God, who knows the Lord’s voice and obeys, who delights in God’s Word, who loves God and others and puts that love into action.

Trait Example: Growing into a person who prays

0-18 months
Model – Pray over them

Teach –

Train – Pray at mealtimes

Grace –


1.5 – 2
Model – let them see you praying

Teach – teach them simple prayers, how to bow head, fold hands

Train – pray at mealtimes and bedtimes

Grace –


3-4
Model – model deeper prayers

Teach – teach deeper prayers (beyond ‘thank you’)

Train – pray at mealtimes and bedtimes and begin praying at other times

Grace – remind them to pray (make a chart)


Favor with Man:
Growing into someone who gets along with others as much as possible without endangering his relationship with God A person who is kind, courteous, thoughtful, loving, who puts others first, who gets along without mindlessly conforming.

Trait Example: Kindness toward Others

0-18 months
Model – tone of voice

Teach – sharing

Train – sharing

Grace – helping them find solutions like sharing, taking turns, play with something else


1.5 – 2
Model – take turns

Teach – teach them not to hit, bite, kick, etc

Train – to help pick up toys

Grace – saying sorry and I forgive you


3-4
Model – holding doors

Teach – helping others with tasks, unloading dishwasher, setting the table

Train – begin playing games that involve taking turns, let others go first

Grace – explain Grace to your child