Because character is the basis of all success in life, MetroFamily is committed to helping parents teach and demonstrate character traits to their children. We base our editorial on the work of Character First! of the Character Training Institute, an Oklahoma City-based nonprofit organization that identifies 49 different character traits. The material is used with permission. For more information about Character First! resources, call 405-815-0001 or visit their website.

You may also want to know about the activities of the non-profit group called the Character Council of Central Oklahoma. This group sponsors monthly character lunches as well as events and projects, particularly during September, which is declared the Month of Character each year by the OKC mayor.  Find out more here.

Written by MetroFamily writer Gayleen Rabakukk of Edmond, OK, each of the character traits include a brief introduction, teachable moments, books to read together, and stories from nature that illustrate the character trait.

As a part of our commitment, we also honor two students each month with our Spotlight on Character Award. Anyone can nominate a student (K-12) who is caught doing the right thing. We especially like hearing specific stories of what these kids have done to demonstrate their good character. The honorees are featured in MetroFamily Magazine and receive a $50 savings bond. Learn more and nominate your deserving child or student here.