How to Teach Children to Use Good Judgment
One of the most vital skills any parent must instill in his child is how to use good judgment. Children demonstrate judgment each day as they make decisions on what to wear, what words to say to a friend, what movies to watch and how to spend their afternoon. Many children do not even realize that these daily choices exhibit a demonstration of judgment until it is pointed out by an adult. As a parent, there are many ways you can teach your child to use good judgment as she makes decisions each day.
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Instructions
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Demonstrate good judgment to your child. Children learn quickly by example. One of the fastest ways to teach your child to use good judgment is to use it yourself. When you make decisions, consider the pros and cons of the choices before you and discuss this with your child. Explain why you are making the choice you are making and why it is important to make the "right" decision.
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Discuss good judgment with your child. Have an open, honest discussion about what good judgment means and how to make the right decision even when it seems difficult. Talk through several possible situations where your child might have to use her judgment. For example, if your child hears her friends gossiping about a classmate, she will have to decide whether to join in or speak up. Your child might also have to make a decision about whether a television show is appropriate to watch or not. Talk to your child about how to know when something is wrong and how to use good judgment to say "no."
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Read a book or informative pamphlet with your child about judgment. Talk about what you've read and discuss judgment with your child.
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Ask your child if he has ever had to make a judgment call and what he decided to do. Talk to your child about whether he feels his decision was correct or if he should have made a different choice.
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Remind your child that if he feels uncomfortable in a situation, he should leave. Explain to your child that sometimes the best decision is to wait until his emotions and feelings calm down and he can rationally analyze the choices before him. For example, if your child is invited to an exciting party but finds out there will not be adult supervision, he may need to come home and think about whether it is the right choice to attend before he decides to go. Remind your child that if he is faced with a difficult choice, he should feel comfortable discussing the decision with you before he decides.
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