Three Cardinal Virtues--Gratitude, Kindness, and Respect

I'm no expert on raising children, but as a former teacher, I have given the subject considerable thought and I offer the following for consideration.

The three cardinal virtues to focus on developing are: (1) gratitude, (2) kindness, (3) respect. Have the child keep a journal of daily actions toward these three,

The daily journal could contain actions in these areas:

GRATITUDE

To parents for teaching, nurturing, providing (a great variety of goods and services)

To teachers and school workers--counselors, secretaries, custodians, administrators, coaches, bus drivers, crossing guards.

To siblings for their support and help.

To other students and teammates.

To police who keep us safe.

To our ancestors for coming to America.

KINDNESS

To our pets by providing tasty, nourishing food, fresh water, and especially, attention.

To our peers who may be weaker or might be treated as inferior by others.

To our parents.

To people in need who we can help in small ways.

RESPECT

To teacher and other caregivers.

To parents and other adults.

To all out peers--stronger, weaker, or different from us.

As a parent I would respect the child's right to privacy, but I would also encourage the child to share and discuss.