Learning responsibility is an ever widening and lifelong process.
As thinking, acting human beings we have the ability to choose our response to events, people and circumstances. We do not become responsible when we mature; we mature when we become responsible.
Psychologists teach that the only reasons people are ever motivated or moved to action is to gain a reward or avoid a penalty. As you teach this principal to the children in your charge be sure to explain what they will gain or lose by the choices they make.
ME: I am in charge of those things that directly affect me as a person.
Examples are:
Grooming, nutrition, exercise, education, choosing friends, a mate or a career. My choices might irritate or disappoint others but the consequences will ultimately hurt only me.
YOU: My actions in this circle affect those I love and care about. I want you to like and approve of me, so I am motivated to do what will please you. I have a responsibility to those who work or live with me to do the things I say I will, accept blame when I am wrong, make restitution, be co-operative, care for my possessions and safeguard other people's resources. Consequences have a ripple effect on those around me and will affect my daily life.
US: The community within 10 miles of wherever I am standing determines us. Some people and organizations I know, some I don't know yet, but they are a part of my extended neighborhood. This is the place to practice random acts of kindness, courtesy and service. We are each the representative of the groups we belong to; family, teenagers, school, soccer team etc. The whole may be judged and influenced by our individual actions and role model. The reward may come later in life in the form of recommendations, job offers, networking and a stronger more vibrant community.
The Universe: I have a responsibility to the universal family of humankind to make the world a better place. I need to be a part of the solution of preserving the earth, eliminating bigotry, giving service, and treating others, as I would like to be treated. The Universe may never give me a tangible reward, but I will gain an inner reward of doing right and making good choices for the higher good of all. I recognize that I have a responsibility to not only have positive actions, but thoughts, words and intentions towards others and to act with dignity, respect and love. As parents and leaders we need to give children the opportunity to be responsible as early as possible. Teach the concept of a pause button in order to stop, think and choose before acting. Whenever they are allowed to have a voice and a choice, they will grow up knowing that they have the power to guide the outcome of their life and contribute to the well being of the group.
This handout? 2003 has been prepared by Judy H. Wright, Missoula, MT parent educator and author. You may have permission to make copies for other parents and teachers but the entire article, including the signature line, must be included. A complete list of parenting books, aids, workshops and a FREE ezine is available at www.artichokepress.com. To contact us, please write judywright@artichokepress.com or call 406-549-9813.
efficient cleaning crew Northbrook ..Memorabilia ? Children can create enough artwork for an entire... Read More
Do you ever wonder what is behind the occasional nasty... Read More
This year alone, 1,600 teenagers aged 15 to 19 will... Read More
There is nothing pleasant about failure, at least not at... Read More
Research has shown that the present generation of children worldwide... Read More
If I had a dollar for every time I persuaded... Read More
Tripping over the shoes and toys that seem to clutter... Read More
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More
Baby names are as diverse as the people to whom... Read More
AD/HD (attention deficit disorder) is one of the most common... Read More
Each child carries a unique picture of the self, shaped... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
The successful preschool idea behind many successful preschool learning centers... Read More
What is in a name?The answer is everything!Jo J. of... Read More
Hints from Ruowen Wang? Keep a small basket filled with... Read More
Did you know that cooking with your kids is a... Read More
John was a 43 year-old sales manager at a large... Read More
A sure way to double the joys of parenthood is... Read More
Gift shops are a kid magnet and often a trip... Read More
On one of her quarterly visits to see her grandson,... Read More
How bad is the illegal drug problem here in the... Read More
There are many parenting styles. Yours may be very different... Read More
Does this sound familiar? Have your kids not listened to... Read More
IntroductionAs a parent who wants the best for your children,... Read More
"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
cleaning lady near Wilmette ..Pool safety should be on the minds of every parent... Read More
How in the world do you get your child to... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
There isn't a school day that goes by that I... Read More
By not planning for the future we guarantee that we... Read More
IntroductionChildren are the gifts of God to parents. That young... Read More
So, the thing is? I am feeling a little guilty.I... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
Travel is a common theme in my life -- probably... Read More
Until about the age of six, children do not generally... Read More
I was in the life insurance sales industry for over... Read More
How can two or three children in the same family... Read More
Life is funny.My twenty-year-old daughter, Melanie, has a her new... Read More
If you really want to get your children to eat... Read More
Here's some of the bad news about sedentary lifestyles:? Forty... Read More
Nanny 911 Interview with Montel WilliamsI saw an interview with... Read More
The advances in science over the past century have been... Read More
Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More
As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More
Q. Our 17-year-old son wants us to let his girlfriend... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
Having a babysitter take care of your kids is sometimes... Read More
Our children are growing up bilingual in the French part... Read More
The techniques of managing relationships between parents and their children... Read More
On one of her quarterly visits to see her grandson,... Read More
Parenting |