What is Moral Reasoning?

Moral Reasoning involves belief in values, and understanding of society's rules. "At risk" children have a more difficult time developing moral reasoning for several reasons:

1. Since they are strong-willed, "at-risk" children may believe that they are Chief and can therefore bend the rules to suit their whims.

2. Since they may have poor impulse control, "at risk" children who frequently break rules due to poor control have two choices when it comes to believing in values. The first choice is to view themselves as bad because they cannot abide by rules. The second is to view rules as stupid.

3. Because "at risk" children may not properly develop empathy, moral reasoning is impaired.

To help your "at risk" child develop moral reasoning see Just Like His Father? and Parenting the At Risk Child