Good JudgementChildren develop strong character by learning to think about and make sound judgments about what is right or wrong, good or bad. These are not always easy distinctions for adults to make, much less children.
For example, it can be difficult for a child to recognize difference between acting bravely and acting recklessly. As parents, we can help by showing, through what we do as well as what we say, that it is importantin such situations to think carefully and honestly about what should bedone, carefully weighing how others will be affected by what we do.
Sometimes we get into trouble because we "just didn't think." We let our emotions lead us to actions that we regret later. Making good judgments requires skills in monitoring impulses, using reasoning to sort throughfeelings and facts, and thinking about consequences of our actions.
Your child's ability to think and make sound judgments will improve as she matures. With age, however, it also may become easier for her to try to justify and make excuses for selfish or reckless behavior. However, if you have helped her develop strong habits of honesty, courage, responsibilit and self-respect, your child will have ability to see flaws in erreasoning and be able to come to right conclusion about what to do.