From the moment your child is born, you make choices for her. Then, one day, she decides she want to choose for herself (No peas!). As the years go by, you slowly have to let go of control and trust that she’s capable of making a good choice when it’s most important. In this episode of the iMOM Podcast, Abby, Susan, Megan, and Chloe talk about the times that making a good choice isn’t clear or easy for kids.
We start with a discussion about pop stars who start out sweet and safe for kids and make a sharp turn. How do you explain to a child that the singer she loves is no longer singing lyrics or wearing clothes that are OK for her to mimic? It’s a delicate conversation, but it’s one that can help teach several of the core elements of discernment.
Throughout her life, your child has to discern what music to listen to, what shows to watch, who to be close friends with, and so much more. Teaching her what goes into making a good choice not only can help her avoid harmful things but also can give her confidence that she can navigate the world on her own.
One great takeaway from this episode is how to help your child create a moral warehouse. We talk about what that is (with a helpful visual), how to create it, and then how to encourage kids to access it when they are faced with a decision. As you work on this, remember that teaching our kids discernment not only strengthens their ability to make good decisions, it also fortifies their identity. It gives our kids the ability to say, “I’m making this decision because it reflects the kind of person I am.” It’s worth the hard work!
Articles We Mentioned
2 Questions Every Child Needs to Answer to Make Wise Decisions
Does Your Kid Have Red Light Friends?
Parents Article About Talking to Kids About Stars Growing Up
Dove Redefining Beauty Campaign
Printables We Think You’ll Like
What conversations have you had with your kids about choosing who to follow?
