Teaching Discernment: A Legacy of Wisdom and Empowerment
In a world that often values politeness and selflessness, we often find ourselves making sacrifices with little to no acknowledgment or appreciation. It’s a common expectation that if we treat others with kindness, we’ll receive the same treatment in return. However, reality doesn’t always adhere to this idealistic theory. Parents typically teach their children to be polite and to say “please” and “thank you” at appropriate times. But what if we could also instill in them the ability to discern when to apply that politeness and when not to, especially when faced with unkindness? This valuable skill could go a long way in helping them navigate life’s challenges.
Negativity and unkindness come in various forms, and it’s crucial to equip our children with the ability to recognize these instances. Here are three practical ways to start implementing discernment in your own life, which, in turn, will allow you to teach your children this essential skill:
- Setting Boundaries: Teaching children to set boundaries is a fundamental step in discernment. Encourage them to understand that it’s okay to say “no” when someone crosses their personal boundaries or treats them unkindly. By respecting their own limits, they learn to differentiate between situations that warrant kindness and those that call for self-preservation.
- Leading by Example: Children often learn best by observing their parents’ behavior. Show them how to discern by modeling appropriate responses to different situations. When faced with unkindness, explain your thought process in choosing whether to respond with kindness or protect yourself. Your actions will speak louder than words.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Foster your children’s critical thinking skills by engaging them in open discussions about kindness and discernment. Ask them questions like, “How did that situation make you feel?” or “Do you think responding with kindness would be appropriate in this context?” Encourage them to think about the consequences of their actions and how they can balance kindness with self-respect.
If you’ve gone through life without applying discernment with the generation you’ve raised, there’s still hope for change. It’s never too late to impart this valuable lesson. By doing so, you can break the cycle and ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself in your family. Moreover, you can extend these teachings to your grandchildren, offering them the opportunity to embrace discernment from a younger age, thus creating a lasting legacy of wisdom and self-awareness for generations to come.
For more information on personal development visit You Stopped Dreaming to Live
or check read Holly’s article Feeding Your Brain: The Power of Positive Thought and Self-Control on She Owns It.
Holly Oldham is an 📚 Author, 📝 Poet, 🎤 Speaker, Mental Wellness and Abuse Advocate, 🌊 Beach Cleaner, ✨ Luxury Cleaner, Dedicated to healing & service!
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