10 Questions part 7 and 8

7. How does your child handle temptation?

One of the enemies of the conscience is temptation. We all want our kids to be like Daniel in the Bible. Daniel 1:8 says "Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat." We all want our children to grow up to withstand temptation. That work starts now but children need a plan. Heroes have a plan to handle the temptations of life. Spend time talking to your children about tempting situations and start developing hypothetical plans to deal with real life situations. Remind children that God has placed within them a conscience and the Holy Spirit to remind them to do what's right and avoid wrongs, even when parents aren't around.

8. Is your child internally motivated?

Many children rely on parental prompters to get things done or correct wrongs. Children with a strong conscience are internally motivated in these areas instead of waiting for external prompters. Of course, many parents get stuck in the middle, always having to tell their kids to do even the smallest things. Take time this year to help your children manage themselves, watch the clock, lok at a room before they leave it to see if they've left something undone behind. Affirm children for signs of maturity in this area. The conscience is part of God's internal motivation system. It needs to be developed.