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"Psst. Abby's getting an award Monday at 2. Make sure you come to school."

"For what?" I asked.

"Come and find out."

I'd be lying if I didn't say I was excited. I assumed she was being recognized for being a good student. Abby has always been a good student, almost to a fault.  She's already showing signs of loving school and worrying too much about her work (yes, that's possible - she gets that from my part of the gene pool.) I don't expect her to knock everything out of the park, I just expect her to try her best.

But Abby wasn't recognized for her school work. She was recognized for her character. I think hearing the award was for character meant more to me than any test she might ace. 

Like most parents, I just want  to raise kids who are good people. Maybe my kids won't be doctors or lawyers but if they are kind, have integrity, show responsibility and are respectful then my job as a parent will have been successful.

"You know what they say about character?"

"What?" I asked.

"Good character isn't taught. It's caught."

Hmmm. I like that. At least someone thinks I might be on the right parenting track.