04.04.T02-SA — Self-Assessment: Am I Intentionally Adding Value to the Children Under My Influence?

Assessing My Effectiveness as a Value-Adding Mother

This chapter teaches that a value-adding mother intentionally instills Godly standards, monitors progress, models expected behaviour, invests quality time, disciplines wisely and prays consistently for her children.

Use this assessment to evaluate the extent to which you are currently applying the principles discussed in this chapter.

Scoring Guide

Part A: Introducing Children to God

The chapter emphasises introducing children to God from an early age.

1. I intentionally teach children about God and His Word.

Score: _____

2. I encourage children to develop a personal relationship with God.

Score: _____

3. I discuss biblical principles with children regularly.

Score: _____

4. I model dependence on God in my daily life.

Score: _____

5. I treat spiritual growth as a parenting priority.

Score: _____

Part B: Instilling Godly Standards

The chapter teaches that mothers should intentionally establish personal standards in children.

6. I have identified specific standards that I want children to develop.

Score: _____

7. I intentionally teach values such as honesty, respect and responsibility.

Score: _____

8. I focus on developing character, not merely behaviour.

Score: _____

9. I explain why particular standards are important.

Score: _____

10. I consistently reinforce those standards.

Score: _____

Part C: Developing Self-Reliance

The chapter highlights self-reliance as one of the standards intentionally taught to the author's children.

11. I encourage children to take responsibility for their work and responsibilities.

Score: _____

12. I teach children how to solve problems independently.

Score: _____

13. I avoid creating unnecessary dependence on me.

Score: _____

14. I encourage initiative and self-discipline.

Score: _____

15. I prepare children to function successfully even when I am not present.

Score: _____

Part D: Clarifying Standards

The chapter stresses the importance of helping children understand the meaning of the standards being taught.

16. I take time to explain values and standards clearly.

Score: _____

17. I encourage children to ask questions about what they are being taught.

Score: _____

18. I discuss the consequences of good and poor choices.

Score: _____

19. I help children understand how standards apply to real-life situations.

Score: _____

20. I encourage meaningful conversations rather than issuing commands only.

Score: _____

Part E: Monitoring Progress

The chapter demonstrates the importance of monitoring children's progress.

21. I regularly monitor children's growth and development.

Score: _____

22. I pay attention to warning signs when standards begin to slip.

Score: _____

23. I use feedback such as school reports, behaviour and attitudes to assess progress.

Score: _____

24. I address concerns promptly rather than ignoring them.

Score: _____

25. I celebrate progress when children improve.

Score: _____

Part F: Discipline and Accountability

The chapter emphasises teaching, correction and accountability.

26. I correct children calmly and constructively.

Score: _____

27. I explain why behaviour is unacceptable rather than merely punishing it.

Score: _____

28. I encourage children to take responsibility for their actions.

Score: _____

29. I apply consequences consistently when necessary.

Score: _____

30. I focus on long-term character development rather than short-term compliance.

Score: _____

Part G: Making Necessary Adjustments

The chapter teaches that parenting approaches may need adjustment.

31. I am willing to adjust my parenting approach when something is not working.

Score: _____

32. I look for the root causes of children's behaviour.

Score: _____

33. I adapt strategies to fit a child's unique needs.

Score: _____

34. I remain firm while still being flexible.

Score: _____

35. I seek better solutions rather than repeating ineffective approaches.

Score: _____

Part H: Modelling the Standards

The chapter repeatedly stresses the importance of modelling expected behaviour.

36. I practise the standards that I expect children to follow.

Score: _____

37. I demonstrate honesty, reliability and integrity.

Score: _____

38. My actions reinforce the lessons I teach.

Score: _____

39. I avoid sending mixed messages through my behaviour.

Score: _____

40. I recognise that children learn from observation as much as instruction.

Score: _____

Part I: Investing Quality Time

The chapter emphasises spending intentional quality time with children.

41. I intentionally spend quality time with children.

Score: _____

42. I create opportunities for meaningful conversations.

Score: _____

43. I know what challenges the children under my influence are facing.

Score: _____

44. I create a safe environment where children can open up honestly.

Score: _____

45. I prioritise relationships over busyness.

Score: _____

Part J: Consistency

The chapter teaches that standards become habits through consistency.

46. I consistently reinforce the standards I teach.

Score: _____

47. I remain patient when progress is slow.

Score: _____

48. I persist even when children resist correction.

Score: _____

49. I avoid sending conflicting messages about expectations.

Score: _____

50. I understand that character formation takes time.

Score: _____

Part K: Prayer and Spiritual Covering

The chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of prayer.

51. I pray regularly for the children under my influence.

Score: _____

52. I pray specifically rather than generally.

Score: _____

53. I speak God's promises over children.

Score: _____

54. I seek God's direction regarding their future.

Score: _____

55. I trust God to fulfil His purposes in their lives.

Score: _____

Scoring Summary

Part A Total: _____ / 25

Part B Total: _____ / 25

Part C Total: _____ / 25

Part D Total: _____ / 25

Part E Total: _____ / 25

Part F Total: _____ / 25

Part G Total: _____ / 25

Part H Total: _____ / 25

Part I Total: _____ / 25

Part J Total: _____ / 25

Part K Total: _____ / 25

Grand Total

Total Score: _____ / 275

Reflection on My Results

56. Which area received your highest score?

57. Which area received your lowest score?

58. Which of the author's parenting practices do you most closely resemble?

☐ Introducing children to God early

☐ Teaching self-reliance

☐ Clarifying standards

☐ Monitoring progress

☐ Consistent discipline

☐ Modelling behaviour

☐ Investing quality time

☐ Consistent prayer

59. Which parenting practice do you most need to strengthen?

60. Looking at your scores, which standard are you currently teaching most effectively?

61. Which standard are you currently least effective at teaching?

62. If a child under your influence described your parenting or mentoring style, what would he or she most likely say?

63. What one change would most increase the value you add to the children under your influence during the next twelve months?