Majority of American Parents Wants Their Kids To Learn More on Character Development as much as Academic Skills

Character Development Skills academic skills Learning Character Development in Classrooms Kids Belonging in Community Children's Natural Instinct to Help Shift from STEM to Character Development

By Jo Anne Hubert , Parent Herald Oct 29, 12:43 pm

More than four out of five parents want their kids to learn more than just Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and other academic skills, according to new research.

Two thousand American parents of children ages five and younger were surveyed and it was found that the majority of the parents, 77 percent, believe character development skills are just as important in the early education of their young ones as academic skills.

The new research, which was commissioned by Primrose Schools® and conducted by OnePoll, also revealed that 2 out of 3 parents or 67 percent wished they were taught character development skills during their childhood.

Character development skills help kids reach their 'full potential'

The study further found that the majority of the parents, 75 percent, prioritizes educational providers with curriculum immersed with character development skills.

This is how important parents want their children to become better individuals than just knowledgeable or intelligent.

More than 75 percent of parents believe that society would be a "better place" if their young ones learn character development skills in the classroom.

Forty-eight percent of parents said that they want to see their kids learn about responsibility in the classroom, 43 percent want them to learn about charity, and 42 and 41 percent want their kids to learn about honesty and fairness.

Sixty-one percent have witnessed their kids doing something, which made them realize that their children's character is not only growing but, most especially, thriving. Sixty-two percent noticed that their kids were consoling other children, 52 percent sharing their toys, and 51 percent starting conversations.

"We believe who children become is as important as what they know. These findings underscore an important shift in parents' attitudes and priorities for their young children, revealing character development skills are just as important as academics. Positive traits like responsibility, sympathy and caring for others help children reach their full potential at home, in the classroom and in the community," CEO of Primrose Schools, Jo Kirchner, expressed.

Kids have 'natural instinct' to care for others

According to the senior director of early childhood education at Primrose Schools, Maria Shaheen, other research would show that kids have a "natural instinct" to reach out, help and care for others from a young age.

Michael Tomasello wrote in his book, "Why We Cooperate," that when infants 18 months old see an adult whose hands are full and who needs assistance opening a door or needs help picking up a dropped clothespin, these kids will immediately help.

Thus, an early education curriculum that places special emphasis and significance on character development like nurturing kindness, generosity and compassion, can be critical for a child to not only understand how to become a "caring citizen in the world," but to protect this natural instinct of being "innately sociable and helpful" to others.

Seventy percent of the parents also shared that they believe some of the best learning opportunities can come from outside the four walls of the classroom.

Seventy percent of parents want their children to develop a sense of belonging and community while 75 percent want them to learn the value of community service.

Three out of 4 parents or 74 percent were surprised that their children inspire them to be more active in their community all the while learning sets of valuable skills from them like responsibility, fairness, charity, donation and honesty.