Weekly Compass: Moderation
Finding Balance in Everyday Life
Welcome to this week’s Weekly Compass, where we shine a spotlight on a single value and explore how it can guide our everyday decisions and actions. Each installment includes a brief reflection, group discussion prompts, and a practical “take action” step—perfect for families, small groups, or personal study.
Our focus this week is Moderation. Together, we’ll explore why it’s important to avoid going to extremes—whether it’s too much screen time, too many late nights, or too many commitments on your plate. Finding balance doesn’t mean living like a monk; it simply means being aware of how our habits affect our well-being and making sure we’re not letting one thing take over. We’re calling this “moderation” to update the old-fashioned idea of “temperance” into something more relatable and practical.
In the following sections, we’ll break down what moderation looks like in everyday life and offer simple ways to keep your time and energy in check. Our goal is to help you feel more centered, less stressed, and better prepared to handle whatever challenges pop up along the way. Whether you’re a parent guiding kids toward healthy habits, a busy student juggling homework and hobbies, or an adult aiming for a saner schedule, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s learn how to do a little bit less—so we can actually enjoy life a whole lot more!
If you’re ready, let’s dive in!
Key Objectives
[Parents and discussion leaders]: Please review the following objectives and explanation about why they matter. During your discussion time, you can read these to everyone verbatim, put them in your own words, or simply skip them and start with the opening reflection while keeping these in mind.
Objectives for this discussion:
Define Moderation Clearly: Understand that moderation means not overdoing things and keeping a healthy balance.
Identify Common Areas of Excess: Explore how too much of anything (e.g., screen time, sugary snacks, late bedtimes) can disrupt our lives.
Practice Self-Awareness: Learn to recognize personal habits that may tip into “too much” territory.
Take Small Steps: Brainstorm and commit to specific ways of applying moderation at home, school, or work.
Why These Objectives Matter
[Read aloud, optional]: “Think of your life as a big plate at a buffet—you want a bit of everything you enjoy, but if you pile on too much of one thing, you’ll feel miserable later. That’s where moderation comes in. It’s the gentle reminder that as fun as it is to binge your favorite show or snack on candy, there’s a tipping point where that enjoyment can turn into stress or regret. By defining what moderation really means, we set ourselves up to make healthier choices, without feeling like we have to give up every indulgence.”
“We also benefit from spotting which areas of life are most prone to going overboard—maybe it’s late-night phone scrolling or always saying “yes” to an extra slice of pizza. Recognizing these habits is half the battle. Once you do, you can brainstorm small steps to keep them in check, like setting a bedtime or cutting back on screen time. It’s not about becoming a superhero of discipline overnight; it’s about practicing awareness and giving yourself room to grow, one balanced choice at a time.”
Opening Reflection
[Parents and discussion leaders]: Read paragraph 1 below and then select either Option 1 or Option 2 of paragraph 2, based upon the make-up of your family or discussion group. This should be read out loud as an opening reflection.
Paragraph 1:
“Moderation may sound like an old-fashioned word, but it’s really about finding balance in our busy, modern lives. In the past, people might have called it “temperance,” which can sound stuffy—like someone telling you never to have fun. But that’s not what moderation means. It’s simply a reminder that while many things are good in small or medium amounts, going overboard can end up causing problems. Think of it as learning how to enjoy life without letting one thing take over your time or energy.”
Paragraph 2 (Option 1; Child-Friendly):
“Imagine you stayed up really late playing your favorite game. At first, it felt awesome—no bedtime, right? But the next morning, you can barely open your eyes to get dressed, and you’re yawning through your whole school day. That’s what happens when we lose our balance: what was fun at first turns into a sleepy, cranky day. Moderation is about noticing when something you enjoy is about to cause trouble and taking a break before it does.”
Paragraph 2 (Option 2; Adult-Oriented):
“Picture working on a project late into the night—or maybe binge-watching a new series—only to find yourself dragging through the morning with zero focus on your other responsibilities. We all know the short-term rush of ignoring our limits, but the next-day consequences aren’t pretty. By practicing moderation, you keep a clearer head and stay productive, instead of letting one pleasure or commitment overshadow your well-being. It’s not about cutting out what you enjoy; it’s about realizing when “just one more hour” can tip your whole day off balance.”
Discussion Questions
[Parents and discussion leaders]: Explain that there are three questions you’ll be discussing together and encourage everyone to share their thoughts on each question. Select the appropriate group of questions from the selection below and go through them, one at a time, allowing ample time for discussion. You might also ask follow-up questions—like “Why do you think that?” or “Can you explain more?”—to help participants clarify their ideas and dig a little deeper. Remind everyone that there are no “wrong” answers here; we’re simply exploring the many ways courage can show up in our lives.
Brief Introduction to Read Aloud:
“Now that we’ve talked about what moderation means and why it’s important, let’s dive into some questions together. Try to think about specific times in your life when you might have pushed something just a little too far—maybe it was a fun activity, screen time, or even a favorite snack. The idea here isn’t to blame ourselves or anyone else, but to explore how we can find a healthier balance. So, let’s share our thoughts and see what we can learn from each other’s experiences.”
Younger Children
Q1: “Why do you think we can’t just eat candy all day, every day?”
Q2: “How do you feel if you watch too many cartoons or play too many games without a break?”
Q3: “What’s one thing you can do to keep your day balanced?”
Teens/College Students
Q1: “What activities in your life can you sometimes do ‘too much’ of—like scrolling on social media or binge-watching shows?”
Q2: “Do you think society encourages or discourages moderation, and why?”
Q3: “Where’s the line between enjoying something (like a hobby or certain foods) and letting it impact your health or relationships?”
Adults/General Audience
Q1: “What are some signs that your work-life balance might be off, and how do you address them?”
Q2: “How can technology, like smartphones and streaming services, lead us away from moderation—and how can we set healthy boundaries?”
Q3: “For those dealing with deeper concerns like addictive behaviors, what resources or support systems might help foster a healthier sense of moderation?”
Take Action!
[Parents and discussion leaders]: Read the brief introduction below and then read the appropriate Weekly Challenge, or put it in your own words, if you prefer. Discuss the challenge to ensure everyone understands it. Ask everyone to commit to taking on this challenge!
Introduction to the Challenge:
“Talking about moderation is a good start, but change happens when we actually do something about it. Think of this challenge as a way to practice balance in a small part of your life—something you can handle without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a kid who loves video games or an adult juggling work, family, and your smartphone, we all have areas where we could add a little more moderation. Let’s pick just one of those habits and try a small shift this week!”
Weekly Challenge (Child-Oriented):
“Find one area where you think you might go overboard—like playing on your tablet too long or staying up late. Pick a tiny limit you can stick to for the week: maybe no screens during dinner or going to bed 15 minutes earlier. Ask a parent or friend to help you remember your limit and see how it feels to keep that promise to yourself!”
Weekly Challenge (Adult-Oriented):
“Identify one habit that tends to consume more of your time or energy than you’d like—maybe it’s scrolling social media, snacking late at night, or letting work creep into your personal time. Set a realistic boundary—such as capping screen use before bed, skipping that second helping of dessert, or scheduling a clear cutoff time for work emails. Notice if you feel more rested, relaxed, or present after practicing a bit of moderation all week.”
Closing Thoughts
[Parents and discussion leaders]: To wrap up your discussion, read the quote below and the closing reflection, or ask someone else to read them to the group. If you are using the Weekly Compass with younger children, you may need to explain the closing reflection or simply put it in your own words.
“Moderation in all things… including moderation.”
– Unknown
“This saying has been attributed to famous authors like Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain, but it doesn’t matter who first wrote it. The fact is that it reminds us that balance isn’t about denying ourselves every indulgence—sometimes we can (and should) enjoy life! The key is being aware of how much is “just right” for us in the moment, rather than letting any single habit or craving take over.”
“Remember, real moderation is about making intentional, mindful choices. It helps us stay healthier, happier, and better equipped to handle whatever challenges come our way. As you head into the next week, think about how a bit of balance might help you or your loved ones feel more at ease—whether that’s cutting down on screen time, setting aside moments to recharge, or simply appreciating a good thing without overdoing it. After all, a life well-lived is one where we find that sweet spot between enjoyment and responsibility, and that’s something each of us can strive for—one small choice at a time.”