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Kids of Character A Guide to Promoting Moral Development

David M. Shumaker, Robert V. Heckel

Book Code: C8889

ISBN: 0-275-98889-9

ISBN-13: 978-0-275-98889-0

DOI:

224 pages, n/a

Praeger Publishers

Publication: 3/30/2007

List Price: $49.95 (UK Sterling Price: £27.95)

Availability: In Stock

Media Type: Hardcover

Also Available: Ebook

Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4

Subjects:

Reviews:

Most "guides" simply list things to do without providing much of a rationale for the advice they give. The author often seems to be simply talking off the top of his or her head, imparting folk wisdom. The present volume is a pleasant exception. Shumaker and Heckel provide an accurate summary of the research on this subject to this point in time and support many of their contentions with brief histories. The summaries are not only complete but also written with a minimum of professional jargon, extending the book's audience to laypeople. This said, professionals reading this book will nod with approval because the authors articulate what psychologists and child specialists have been saying for years. An especially appealing feature is the separate chapters on the various influences on the moral development of children, e.g., family, peers, community, schools, religion, sport, and play. This is a book for anyone planning a career that will involve children or for the parent intent on raising a moral child. Highly recommended. All readers; all levels.
—Choice October 2007
Kids of Character represents a laudable effort to provide readers with useful information and insights on the moral development process. It is clear that the authors are very knowledgeable and passionate about the interests of young people, and their work has the potential to redirect focus toward the import of children and character education. If it succeeds at accomplishing nothing beyond this, then it will still have been a valuable project. I recommend it as a worthy addition to any parent's resource library.
—metapsychology online reviews September 25, 2007
[T]he process of developing morality in children often seems difficult and unclear in an increasingly technologically modern period. Kids of Character: A Guide to Promoting Moral Development provides an empirically informed summary of the recent findings regarding children's moral reasoning capabilities and important influences on moral development....[t]he book presents several compelling points that make it an easy, informative, and enjoyable read....Particularly appealing is Shumaker and Heckel's attempt to empower parents and other adults to seek out and implement an appropriate strategy to promote the development of character....Shumaker and Heckel do not stop at just reviewing and discussing moral development, they also provide practical recommendations and solutions.
—PsycCRITIQUES August 15, 2007
Shumaker and Heckel describe promoting moral development in children. The influence of changes to today's family, as well as peers are key, they say, and they enumerate the role of the community, schools, and religion. They also discuss how sport fails character development.
—Reference & Research Book News August 2007

Description: When authors Shumaker and Heckel wrote their earlier book on Children Who Murder, it became clear to them that society--specifically a significant portion of its young members--is in crisis. Focused on this crisis, these authors found an everyday issue that makes life more challenging for parents trying to raise kids of character. The challenge is this: there are extensive differences now in the family, the school environment, the community and even religious institutions, compared to previous generations. For example, families of today rarely have a coherent extended family. Dual working parents are common. Church activities, events and agents are not nearly as evident in the community as they were in the past. And schools, under increasing demand for testing and measurement, devote far less time to issues of character than they did in the past. Altogether, the changes are significant and can leave parents at a loss for how to best develop character intheir kids. Shumaker and Heckel show us how some parents are creatively handling this challenge. The authors do not argue that most American kids are out of hand, cruel, or immoral. They are neither cynics nor prophets of doom. What they do see is a disappearance of supports for parents, making the adults'job more demanding. Yet they pinpoint ways some parents are succeeding in this new millennium. This book begins by explaining the basics of moral development in children reviewing recent research findings. If offers parents, teachers, professors, administrators, clergy, and legislators helpful tools to promote character.

LC Card Number: 2000700005

LCC Class: BF723

Dewey Class: 155


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