Character Trait of the Month: Self Discipline

Just pick and choose the ones that speak the most to you! The way it will work in my family, is we will do a read aloud all month. Then we’ll watch a video or read a children’s book every week. I’ll also hang the printable in an easy-to-see place.

Please, let me know what this looks like for you and how you are doing it in YOUR home!

Good luck!

• “Good Things Come to Those Who Wait”. Original link here.

• We’ve all heard of the famous Marshmallow Experiment. Watch it with your kids, and discuss what it means with help from this article.

• The Lost Prince, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

(Sometimes titled The Lost Prince of Samavia) LOVE this book! Fun adventure book, though written in an older style. So, so great. My son wrote a review and I included discussion questions here. A poor boy is taught extreme self discipline by his father without knowing exactly why. Soon, he is the linchpin of a revolution and discovers his royal heritage. (Even though this is listed for teens, my 9 and 7 year olds love listening to this story.)

• A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Fantastic book! It’s a classic for a reason. Little, rich Sarah is good hearted and tries to be kind and generous- like a real princess. But when she becomes a pauper and a servant, she still has the same self discipline. Once her fortunes change again, the people around her realize that her outside circumstances do not change who she is on the inside. (Even though this is listed for teens, my 9 and 7 year olds love listening to this story.)

• Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations, by Alex and Brett Harris

Written by teen brothers, this book focuses on being a rebel- by fighting the normal teen mentality. I loved this book! With common sense, a historical framework, inspiring stories and littered with Bible verses to further teach kids, I’m a fan.

• 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, by Sean Covey

A teen version of the classic. Fantastic and entertaining. You can even get a workbook for it here.

• Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, by Jean Lee Latham

LOVE this true story of a man who faced crazy hard times. I’m not going to lie, it’s a little depressing at first. But! But! The triumph is AMAZING! I have discussion questions about it here.

• Atomic Habits, by James Clear

An engaging read, this book does an excellent job at breaking down self-discipline into habits, then teaches you how to use habits to your benefit. Such great stuff in this book!

• PassItOn.org has a ton of great videos that are short and sweet, including these three: Truck Stop, Basketball, Umpire

• This speech by Navy Admiral William H. McRaven went viral for a reason. “If you want to change the world, make your bed every day.” Original link here.

• 42

The story of Jackie Robinson. Jackie shows AMAZING self control. As his manager said, “I need someone brave enough to NOT fight back.” If that doesn’t show self discipline, I don’t know what does. (This does have some foul language and a little bit of sensuality. I use VidAngel for this one.)

• Forever Strong

You can find my review here. This teen overcomes peer pressure, addiction and a negative family culture to discover his best self.