Conscience is the “little voice” that tells you whether the decision you are about to make is right or wrong.

To help your child listen to and follow her conscience:

• Set the right example. Tell the truth. Return promptly what you borrow. If you are wrong, say you are sorry and try to make amends. Your child is watching and listening.
• Talk with your child after she makes a decision. What did her conscience tell her? Did she follow it? Why or why not? Would she do anything differently next time?
• Monitor media your child sees and listens to. Tell your child if you don’t approve, and why. “Did you notice that the main character in that movie lies and steals and gets away with it? I think the movie sets a terrible example.”
• Notice when your child follows her conscience. “You were brave to stand up to those girls who were picking on Maria. It would have been easy to walk by and pretend you didn’t notice, but you couldn’t let them treat her so badly. You can be proud of yourself today.”

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