If you are a parent, you’ve heard all the excuses.  Your child may say anything to get out of a chore or avoid stepping out of their comfort zone.  In fact, when you were a kid, you probably had a few good excuses of your own.

But, as Benjamin Franklin said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.”  So, how do you handle your kids’ excuses, especially when they are keeping your child from experiencing an abundant life?  Here are the top 4 kids’ excuses and what you can do about them.

1. “I’m not smart enough” – When a child feels inferior to his peers, he may use this excuse as an escape route to keep from being embarrassed, feeling stupid, or trying something new.  Talk to your child about his own gifts and talents.  Encourage him to express any areas in which he feels “less than” his peers and talk it through.  Don’t let him focus on the success of his peers, but instead focus on his own potential.  Comparison can be a confidence killer.

2. “I’m scared” – Fear can be a protective emotion, but it can also cheat your child from experiencing new opportunities.  Don’t let your child be afraid to take risks.  As a parent, teach her to prepare as best she can for the situation and then take that step into the unknown. It may change her life.

3. “I don’t feel like it” – Laziness is never a good excuse.  To succeed in life, your child must have a good work ethic.  Ask your child one thing he would like to accomplish and help him formulate a plan.  Set check points and an end goal.  When it comes to chores, use a chore chart with incentives.

4. “I can’t do it by myself” – Self-motivation is a necessary skill in life.  Teach your child not to rely on others to fix her problems.  Teamwork is great, but others may not always pull their weight.  Sometimes, you have to do it yourself.  Remind your child that you will be there for her, but God is the only one that will never fail her.

What excuses has your child given you and why?  What was your response?