first virtues - behind the scenes

“How do I teach my two year old to share?”

“Is there a way to help a three year old learn to be kind?”

“How do I get my toddler to obey, especially in the grocery store?”

These were questions from moms across the country that triggered the writing of First Virtues for Toddlers.

As an advisory board member for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) I frequently speak to moms with young children. Repeatedly during the past several years, I have been asked questions about character education. However, I tucked these questions into the back of my mind: I couldn’t figure out how to relate abstract virtues like forgiveness to young children who are concrete thinkers. Young children mentally process only what they can see and touch. I couldn’t create a book that would allow a two year old to touch obedience or patience!

After thinking about this challenge for many months, I finally came up with a strategy: at the beginning of each story, I would define a virtue very simply. Then the remainder of the story would show practical, everyday examples of how a young child experiences the virtue.

As we went through the product development process, I looked at various lists of desired character traits. However, we couldn’t find data that reflected priorities for mothers with young children. I then compiled a lengthy list of virtues that an editor took to MOPS groups. These women prioritized the virtues when asked the question, “Which are the most important core beliefs for your child to learn?” The top twelve are featured in First Virtues for Toddlers.

The animal characters are darling. The stories are so short, you can share several before a nap. The lyrical, rhyming text is fun to read (again and again!) But the most valuable content is found at the back of the book. That’s where you will find practical help for capturing teachable moments as your child learns virtues that will last a lifetime.