Character building for families somehow makes me think of my mother. I hear her saying, "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." If you've never heard that, think about it a minute. Then think about parents you know that are always saying things like, "I wish you would show a little respect. I wish you would be more responsible. I wish you would learn to control your anger. I wish you would tell the truth." If wishing were walls, those parents would be surrounded by long, high, strong ones.

Character building for families calls for strong, decisive leadership at the top of the family. That leader has to have a strong commitment to the job. He or she has to be willing to invest time and effort to learn the best way of building character in the family, the best tools for the job. One husband-and-wife team wrote a book on character that lists tools and provides readers with ten clear "how-to" steps. I won't plagiarize, but they begin with assessment: an honest look at your family's current character condition. I can't think of a better way to start.

After you know where individual family members stand in regard to character, you can set goals for each one. Then you can map out a plan to reach those goals, including dates by which goals are to be attained. The real work begins when you call the family together and lay out your plan, setting aside daily time for evaluation and re-focusing. You may use charts for younger children, journals for older ones. You will need many reminders and the help of good materials.