It's said, 'Yard by yard life is hard, inch by inch life's a cinch!' I don't know if you've ever heard that before but in some ways it makes since. As you prepare your children for life, our hope and prayers is that it would go right. In this process of raising and training children something must happen on their part, they must learn to think right. So teach them to ask: (1) 'What are my options in this situation?' But do it with the right attitude. If your face is like thunder when you talk to them, they'll run for cover. Brainstorm with them, writing down every option that's offered. Tell them that no answers are wrong and no idea will be judged as silly; all suggestions are accepted and valued. You're priming their creative pump, encouraging them to think for themselves. (2) 'What benefits come from each option?' The goal is not to coerce them, but for them to discover and embrace the truth for themselves. And that comes through patience, not pressure. Ask them to list which benefits seem most important to them. (3) 'What negative consequences come from each option?' Children can be brutally honest. That's ok; it's just part of learning God's cause-and-effect law of sowing and reaping. Indeed, many adult regrets could have been avoided by following this law. Don't preach or rant about how terrible the consequences are. Teach them to question themselves, 'Am I willing to accept the consequences? How would they change my life?' (4) 'What personal values are involved in this decision?' Values based decisions call us to the high road rather than the path of least resistance. Suggest some godly values as primers, such as truthfulness, trustworthiness, loyalty, responsibility, compassion, friendship, selfdenial, courage, honor, faith etc. Break it down small for younger children, but don't miss your opportunity that is always there to make them into what God desire them to be. You are loved!
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