Q: How can schools and parents partner together to help build a child’s character?
A: “Trusting relationships are foundational,” says Patrick Gallagher, head of University School. “Children need adults in their lives whose care for them is clear at home. Simple responsibility starts with getting things done. Chores at home, service at school, for example, can help students to develop competence and self-reliance. Another important step towards building character is involving themselves meaningfully and positively. Giving students coping mechanisms for the challenges that are no doubt ahead is one of the most important skills that we’re going to instill in them. We want to support them as they set goals and also emphasize to them that a goal for every single day should be being a good person. We want to prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child.”
