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.
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Many working families choose a commercial or individual day care... Read More
OK, moms and dads out there, we hear you when... Read More
Vacations and trips are great family events, but how do... Read More
Baby names are as diverse as the people to whom... Read More
We all wish that our children should not smoke or... Read More
Now I know that is not how the song goes,... Read More
Sex has a lot to answer for ? babies usually... Read More
How would you like to have a closer relationship with... Read More
It's funny how people seem to think that they have... Read More
Voices!So many voices crying out for adherence and so many... Read More
Do you really want your child to enjoy playing with... Read More
Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More
It was blisteringly hot last Saturday. As I took that... Read More
The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More
Have you ever experienced one of those days when you... Read More
When planning a child birthday party, just a little bit... Read More
Just the other day, I was talking to some other... Read More
"If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think... Read More
In our last issue we posted some of our suggested... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed being a parent? Do you want... Read More
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
How would you like to have more time? Of course... Read More
Being in a competitive world, the lowest qualification to secure... Read More
Being a single mother is no easy task. I know.... Read More
residential cleaning services Deerfield ..Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More
When is a person brilliant? When does a person show... Read More
Parents of teenagers frequently ask what can be done to... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
I thought I was the only one in the world... Read More
Diapers..Changing a dirty diaper is not the best part of... Read More
In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is... Read More
As mothers, we play so many different roles and most... Read More
Every year over one million parents have to talk to... Read More
In today's busy world, many parents have lost the art... Read More
It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More
Often I have heard that leaders are born, not made.... Read More
In the wonderment of childhood, it is easier for a... Read More
Have you ever had this struggle with your teens? Did... Read More
Advocate: you've probably heard the term before. But what does... Read More
I love Google and Yahoo. With Google and Yahoo I... Read More
Have you made your usual New Year resolutions? You know... Read More
Q. I don't like my children spending so much time... Read More
Voices have a way of falling into a pattern, not... Read More
Bullies are an ugly but very real part of childhood.... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
Few things are more completely enjoyable than becoming a grandparent.... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
Looking for an unusual and memorable gift? Why not preserve... Read More
1. Boundaries are necessary for control and safety.All children need... Read More
Parenting |