Episode 137: Want to Raise Wise Kids?
Start with How to Make Good Choices
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Every day, your kids face choices—from what to eat for lunch to how to treat others. And as homeschool moms, we want to raise children who make wise, godly decisions… but how do we actually teach them how to make good choices?
In this episode, we talk about how to help your kids develop discernment, wisdom, and decision-making skills through stories, conversations, and daily life moments rooted in Biblical truth.
✅Why wisdom matters more than knowledge alone
✅A simple, homeschool-friendly way to teach discernment
✅What King Solomon can teach your kids about making wise decisions
✅How to create a “wisdom culture” in your family
🎁 It’s time to sign up for the Homeschool Freedom Boot Camp right here -
Resources Mentioned:
Homeschool Freedom Bootcamp
FREE 3-Step Critical Thinking Chart
FREE Read-Aloud Book List
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Show Notes:
Hey, everyone, Kerry Beck here with Homeschool Coffee Break, where we help you stop the overwhelm so you can actually take a coffee break, no matter what time of day it is. I’ve been writing a blog post about rest and renewal for homeschool moms—it’s coming out later this week. I’ll link it in the show notes because it could really encourage you with this whole idea of taking a coffee break.
But today, we’re talking about raising our kids to make wise decisions—helping them develop discernment, knowledge, and wisdom from a young age. We all want our kids to make wise choices. We want to make wise choices too—and sometimes we don’t.
Truth Over Impulse
How do we teach our kids discernment? Today, I want to give you Biblical and practical tools to help your kids make decisions based on truth—not just impulse. The world tells our kids to follow their hearts. But God calls them to follow the truth.
Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” Wisdom is knowledge applied. Our kids make choices every day—some small, some big. Will they show kindness or selfishness? Will they think through their actions or react in the moment?
We need to give them opportunities to practice wise decision-making now, so they become adults who influence the world for Jesus. That’s part of leadership education.
Step Off the Conveyor Belt
If you're still stuck in a traditional school mindset, it’s time to step off the conveyor belt. Following a system of checklists and tests doesn’t teach wisdom. God honored Solomon’s request for wisdom above anything else, and we can help our kids do the same.
Let’s raise kids who seek wisdom over popularity, convenience, or screens. Raise kids who apply wisdom in their homes, churches, and communities.
Use Stories to Teach Discernment
Start with reading, writing, and discussion. Read stories and ask, “Was that the wise choice?” Use Bible stories, literature, even current events or peer situations to spark thoughtful conversation.
One of my daughters once refused to read Pippi Longstocking because, “She lies, Mom.” That hit me. She had discernment—and I needed to listen. Talk through situations like that. Ask, “What does God’s Word say about this?”
Role play tough situations—like being offered a movie at a sleepover. That gives your child a chance to think through decisions before they face them.
Let Them Practice Decision-Making
Let your kids practice making decisions early. Use movie reviews, books, or conversations at the dinner table. Make wisdom a part of your family culture. Maybe ask, “What was one wise decision you made this week?”
Let your kids hear you pray and talk through your own decisions too. That kind of modeling is powerful.
Model It, Talk About It, Grow It
You and I aren’t perfect in this either. We’re growing in wisdom just like our kids. Model it. Talk through it. And remember, godly wisdom grows when truth is sown consistently through conversation.
Let your kids wrestle with stories, talk through decisions, and build a culture of prayer and reflection. They don’t become wise overnight—but you can plant seeds that grow for a lifetime.
Grab the free critical thinking chart, read-aloud book list, and sign up for the Homeschool Freedom Boot Camp—all linked in the show notes.
