We have discussed this before, but everyone knows this year has been extremely rough. It sure can be hard to find joy in these tough situations. The stress and worries of the world, and an unknown future can rub off on our children and cause stress in the home. It is so important to teach our children about how to show joyfulness in all situations.

It is hard to smile back at someone when they are crabby and scowling. But a simple smile can light up the face of a stranger, or a family member. Just the routine of smiling and laughing daily can bring joys to others.

Some of our children come about this trait rather naturally, while others may struggle with finding joy. Many of us can tend to worry and have anxiety. Those thoughts and anxiety can rob us of the joy that God so freely gives to us. If you have a child that tends more towards worry and stressing over situations then it is very helpful to teach them about being joyful.

It isn’t easy for us as parents either. All you have to do is turn on the news or social media and worry will start to seep in. This is when we need to turn our focus on God and the joy that He so freely gives us. Nehemiah 8:10 says “The Joy of the Lord is your strength.” God’s joy can bring us the strength we need to get through each day, month and year. It gives us the strength to continue on and parent our children with love and with joy.

This Character Counts planner is on the theme of Joyfulness.

If you struggle with being joyful or teaching your children how to be joyful you will enjoy this month’s subscriber freebie. It will give you tips and suggestions on how to practice joyfulness in your home. I love the practical ideas that Felice gives for us to do together as a family. Sometimes when things are hard it is difficult to think of what to do next, or how to tackle an attitude problem. Simple and practical ideas are always helpful!

What is in this month’s planner?

Our Character Counts planner will help you plan out a 4-week study on the character trait of joyfulness.  Our planners are open and go. This means that all the planning is done for you. They are also customizable. You are able to pick and choose what you would like to use within the planner printables. They are not dated so you can use them anytime of the year. I like to print ours out and store them in a character training binder. I create tabs for each character trait. Character training is a great addition to a family morning or Bible time in your homeschool. The activities are good for all ages in your family, including parents!

Check out what is inside:

• Character Quality Family Checklist Worksheet
• 4 Week Study of Joyfulness
• Analyze and Evaluation Sheets
• Character Trait Planning Worksheets
• Joyfulness and Your Gifts Journaling Sheets
• Joyfulness Study Worksheets for Kids
• Activity Sheets and Create a Joyfulness Poster
• Joyfulness Goals Sheets
• Joy Printable Motivation Posters
• Certificate of Completion

The directions on how to download your free Character Counts Planner are sent in each weekly ezine. The planner access information is always located at the bottom of each email. If you are not signed up, you can sign up HERE.