Success

These 14 character traits represent the ultimate goals of the Renaissance Child methodology.

The Ultimate Parenting Goal

What Success Looks Like

These character traits represent what we hope to see in our children when they reach adulthood. They are not artificial behaviors to be performed, but natural skills and perspectives they've internalized through years of conscious parenting. When parenting is successful, these traits emerge organically as part of who they are, not as rules they follow.

Built Over Time

These aren't traits you can teach directly or force into existence. They develop gradually through consistent modeling, age-appropriate opportunities, and a family culture that naturally encourages these values. The strategies listed under each trait show practical ways to create the conditions where these capabilities can flourish.

Think of this like developing a muscle. It happens through consistent, gentle exercise over time, not through occasional intense training sessions.

Your Role as Parent

Your task is to create environments and opportunities where these traits can emerge naturally. The developmental strategies provide practical guidance, but remember: children learn as much from what you do as what you say. These traits will come most readily when they're lived out authentically in your own life.

Choose meaning over expedience

#1

I will focus on long-term goals that bring fulfillment, rather than short-term gains that may lack meaning or value. I will make decisions based on my values and passions rather than seeking immediate gratification.

Development Strategies

  • • Help children identify their core values and what matters most to them
  • • Encourage reflection on the long-term impact of decisions
  • • Model choosing meaningful activities over quick fixes
  • • Discuss the difference between what feels good now vs. what will matter in the future

Regulate emotions

#2

I will recognize and accept my emotions without judgment, while learning healthy ways to manage and express them. I will develop emotional self-awareness and effective coping strategies.

Development Strategies

  • • Teach children to name and identify their emotions
  • • Model healthy emotional expression and regulation
  • • Provide tools for managing difficult emotions (breathing, movement, art)
  • • Help children understand that all emotions are valid and temporary

Embrace embarrassment

#3

I will understand that feeling embarrassed is a normal part of life, and it's important to learn from mistakes and grow. I will be resilient and not let embarrassment hold me back from trying new things.

Development Strategies

  • • Model making mistakes and learning from them
  • • Help children understand that embarrassment is temporary
  • • Encourage trying new things even when they might fail
  • • Celebrate effort and learning over perfection

Be skeptical of the obvious

#4

I will practice critical thinking and question assumptions. I will be cautious of overly simple solutions or answers and will always seek a deeper understanding.

Development Strategies

  • • Encourage children to ask 'why' and 'how do you know?'
  • • Model questioning assumptions and seeking evidence
  • • Help children understand that simple answers aren't always correct
  • • Teach them to consider multiple perspectives on issues

Be aware of the environment

#5

I will be mindful of my surroundings and consider the impact my actions have on the environment, and the impact my environment has on my choices.

Development Strategies

  • • Teach children to observe and notice their surroundings
  • • Help them understand how their actions affect others and the environment
  • • Encourage awareness of how their environment influences their mood and behavior
  • • Model environmental consciousness and responsibility

Tell the deep truth

#6

I will prioritize honesty and integrity while also communicating the truth with empathy and consideration for others' feelings and perspectives. I will speak with humility, focusing on what leads people to greater understanding beyond purely factual information.

Development Strategies

  • • Model honest communication with empathy
  • • Help children understand the difference between honesty and cruelty
  • • Teach them to consider how their words will affect others
  • • Encourage them to speak up about important issues

Practice mindfulness

#7

I will learn and practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or focused breathing exercises, which can help me stay present, manage stress, and develop emotional intelligence.

Development Strategies

  • • Introduce simple breathing exercises and meditation as regular family practices
  • • Practice mindful eating, walking, and daily activities together
  • • Help children develop awareness of their thoughts and feelings without judgment
  • • Model mindfulness and present-moment awareness in stressful situations

Explore the unknown

#8

I will embrace challenges and seek out opportunities to grow and expand my knowledge. I will nurture my curiosity and love of learning.

Development Strategies

  • • Encourage curiosity and asking questions
  • • Provide opportunities to try new things and explore interests
  • • Model lifelong learning and curiosity
  • • Help children see challenges as opportunities for growth

Deconstruct the world

#9

I will recognize that my environment and culture are shaped by human choices and actions. I will question norms, traditions, and assumptions, and respect diversity.

Development Strategies

  • • Help children understand that cultures and traditions are human-made
  • • Encourage questioning of social norms and expectations
  • • Expose children to diverse cultures and perspectives
  • • Teach them to respect differences while thinking critically

Check privilege

#10

I will learn about global inequality and develop empathy, compassion, and social responsibility to help address these issues.

Development Strategies

  • • Help children understand their own privileges and advantages
  • • Expose them to different life experiences and perspectives
  • • Teach them about social justice and inequality
  • • Encourage them to use their advantages to help others

Seek to understand

#11

I will cultivate empathy and compassion for those who have hurt others while also recognizing the importance of personal responsibility and accountability.

Development Strategies

  • • Help children understand that people's actions often come from their own pain
  • • Teach them to balance empathy with accountability
  • • Model forgiveness and understanding while maintaining boundaries
  • • Encourage them to see the humanity in everyone

Seek excellence beyond victory

#12

I will value perseverance, hard work, and personal growth, understanding that success is not just about winning but about the journey and the lessons learned.

Development Strategies

  • • Focus on effort and improvement rather than just winning
  • • Help children understand that failure is part of learning
  • • Celebrate personal growth and character development
  • • Model persistence and resilience in the face of challenges

Choose friends wisely

#13

I will surround myself with positive influences and be a supportive, uplifting friend to others.

Development Strategies

  • • Help children identify what makes a good friend
  • • Teach them to recognize toxic relationships
  • • Model healthy friendships and boundaries
  • • Encourage them to be the kind of friend they want to have

See through manipulation

#14

I will learn to recognize manipulative behavior and develop healthy boundaries. I will practice open communication and the ability to say no when necessary.

Development Strategies

  • • Teach children to recognize manipulation and coercion
  • • Help them develop strong personal boundaries
  • • Model healthy communication and assertiveness
  • • Encourage them to trust their instincts about people and situations