ABSTRACT
Character strengths consist of positive qualities that capture the person’s core values and support a flourishing life. Character strengths in action produce desirable outcomes for the individual and others. The connections between character strengths and happiness are established rather early; therefore, explicit interventions that foster character strengths may also start early. In addition to subjective well-being, character strengths influence academic achievement and educational attainment. Character education programs are effective when they are genuine and focus on fostering moral agency, and social and emotional learning. Parents and teachers may help children identify their strengths through explicit interventions. The chapter traces the early character strengths in childhood in expressions of sharing and acts of kindness. It discusses the Values in Action (VIA) strengths and reviews their links to happiness, life satisfaction, risky behaviors, and academic success throughout childhood and adolescence. The chapter also discusses the effectiveness of character education programs and concludes with suggestions for parents and teachers to support the development of character strengths.
