ABSTRACT
As children mature and become more independent, they are expected to make moral judgements about what is right and what is wrong. This usually involves them in following the prevailing, accepted, cultural ‘rules’ of right and wrong. Often these are internalised, the children observing their parents rather than having explicit explanations of these rules. And some groups will live by different rules to others. Surely we all need rules if society is not to be chaotic? But when children act according to these rules, are they making moral judgements or are they only following a code that will ensure they are praised or rewarded for so doing? Can we/should we/how should we teach children to be ‘good’? Is there a fine line between co-operation, conformity and coercion?
