I am not a big movie quoter – no, I leave that job to the male species that still get a kick out of quoting Caddy Shack or Animal House. But occasionally, I get inspired by an on-screen moment and relive it in my mind.

One of my favorite movies is “American President”. Do you remember it? It starred Michael Douglas and Annette Benning. At the end of his first term as president, Andrew Sheppard (Michael Douglas) has an affair with Sydney Allen Wade (Annette Benning). It was not a Monica Lewinsky kind of affair. President Sheppard was a widower – so this romance did not involve wagging fingers or a blue dress. Still, in the movie, Sheppard is attacked by his chief critic and rival for the presidency, Senator Rumson (played by Richard Dreyfuss), who accuses him of lacking character. In a dramatic ending, Sheppard’s response was this: “For the last couple of months, Senator Rumson has suggested that being president of this country was, to a certain extent, about character, and although I have not been willing to engage in his attacks on me, I’ve been here three years and three days, and I can tell you without hesitation: Being President of this country is entirely about character.”

To me character is about having the motivation to do what is right regardless of the circumstances. It means treating others with respect, kindness, and compassion. When it comes to life lessons – I would rank “character” pretty much at the top. Parents should be thoughtful when teaching or demonstrating lessons of character. Here are a few tips:

Volunteer
Our kids are growing up in a “me” generation where Superstores and the Internet have eliminated the notion of delayed gratification. Still one of the best ways to instill character in a child is to get them outside of themselves and introduce them to the larger world. In addition, approaching others with compassion and service will result in greater concern for mankind. Finally, volunteering will assist them in maintaining perspective, balance, and gratitude for their personal blessings.

Insist on Honesty
For kids and grown-ups alike, lies are the result of fear. Fear of rejection, disappointment and failure. By insisting on Honesty, you are empowering your child to possess the courage to face their fears and build personal responsibility that will keep them accountable for their actions.

Teach Tolerance
Teaching kids to respect others and accept – and even celebrate differences – is key when building character. Parents can practice tolerance by reading books and watching movies that highlight different cultures. In addition, encouraging your kids to learn a different language or participate in play groups with a wide diversity of kids will go far in developing cultural tolerance.

Find Teachable Moments
In the carpool line, vegging on the couch or at the dinner table, there are countless opportunities for teachable moments. It boils down to communication – identifying situations to spark family discussions on important issues. You can use these moments to identify ways of facing situations with responsibility, kindness, and compassion.

Give Them Time
We, as parents, are the number one influence and the number one role model for our kids. Time is the greatest gift you can give to our children. Time together will foster the security a child needs when developing their own identity. In my opinion, meal time is an ideal time to share as a family. Get this – it really doesn’t matter if you’re whipping out the homemade goods or if it’s Pizza Night that is delivered to the door. When it comes to building character – time around the table is a great way to build family time, find teachable moments, speak honestly and encourage tolerance.

So indulge me as I quote another famous person. Like Andrew Sheppard in “American President”, she made her mark in history as a tenant of the White House and as a humanitarian to millions. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.”