All of the choices we make, either good or bad, contribute to the development of our character. Every individual must train their will to make good choices. The choice is between prioritizing education, employment, honor, justice, and love or succumbing instead to underachievement, self-centeredness, irresponsibility, and/or substance abuse. We cannot have it both ways; we will choose from one set of behaviors or the other. Children’s positive choices and peer selections ideally stem from a strong moral foundation built by their parents.
By setting a good example, parents or caregivers equip their children to withstand adverse outside influences. Setting a good example and providing good moral training are essential to helping youth overcome the tendency to give in to bad social pressure.
These questions are designed to help families talk, listen, and grow together.
- What is the best choice you have ever made?
- Why do you think the choices you make today can shape who you become tomorrow?
- Can you think of a small choice you made that ended up having a big impact later?
- Why is it important to train yourself to make good choices instead of just reacting in the moment?
- How do your friends and the people you hang around with influence the choices you make?
- What makes good choices harder to make than bad ones sometimes?
- How do you feel when you make a choice you know is right, even if it’s not popular?
- What is a strong moral foundation? How can that help you resist peer pressure?
- Who can you hang out with who is a good influence?
- Who shouldn’t you hang out with who is a bad influence?
Importance of Choices in a Young Person’s Life
- Builds Your Character: Every choice you make, good or bad, helps form the habits that shape who you are.
- Set Up Your Future: Even small decisions you make when you’re young can impact your education, career, and relationships later on.
- Test Integrity: Choosing right over wrong builds inner strength and responsibility.
- Keeps You Safe: Smart choices protect you from destructive behaviors like substance abuse or just being irresponsible.
- Strengthens Resilience: A solid moral compass helps you resist negative influences.
- Inspires Others: Your good choices aren’t just good for you; they can also inspire your friends and family.