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.
home cleaning services Bannockburn ..Being a parent is a role that requires a large... Read More
As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More
Dear friends here we will charge up our mind with... Read More
Every year over one million parents have to talk to... Read More
What's hard for teenagersHaving people who don't understand you trying... Read More
Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting... Read More
When we consider that the word allowance means, "allowing for,"... Read More
Nothing touches the heartstrings of a parent more than the... Read More
As mothers, we play so many different roles and most... Read More
Chaim Ginott was a schoolteacher whose ideas and observations helped... Read More
Bullies are an ugly but very real part of childhood.... Read More
I could nearly fund my children's future education if I... Read More
"To educate a person in mind and not in morals... Read More
Annie easily slipped into becoming the sole caregiver of her... Read More
The girl's jaw dropped in horror as the police officer... Read More
I had just completed a session with 17-year old Julie... Read More
When kids try new things, sometimes it's a 'fit' and... Read More
Incest is sexual activity, ranging from fondling to intercourse, between... Read More
I used to have a really challenging job. It was... Read More
To have reasonable expectations of our children is an important... Read More
"Money is tight, and my husband's obsessed with doing everything... Read More
Once upon a time, I thought I had it all.... Read More
Managing money is one of the most critical skills we... Read More
As a mother of two sets of fraternal boy/girl twins,... Read More
The 'phone conversation had nothing at all to do with... Read More
after renovation cleaning Glenview ..Throughout the year, many days of celebration are tucked capriciously... Read More
Reading is the most efficient and economical way to help... Read More
Q. How do I overcome the 16-year-old who does things... Read More
College is one of the largest expenses through the course... Read More
When we consider that the word allowance means, "allowing for,"... Read More
For most children, it is easy to learn to read... Read More
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the... Read More
Recently, a much-anticipated game of mini-golf with my children soon... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
Under the "No Child Left Behind Act," public schools whose... Read More
In the news, we hear and see an increasing number... Read More
Would you like your child to be the best that... Read More
The 21st Century Problem in Schools: Bullying, and How to... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
Children and teenagers are relentlessly bombarded with merchandise that entices.... Read More
Encouragement comes when you focus on your child's assets and... Read More
'Whose room is it anyway?'If you have a teenager, you're... Read More
The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the... Read More
Although many parents are concerned with our children's intelligence quotient... Read More
Every year over one million parents have to talk to... Read More
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More
1. The Law of the BeastAs parents we need to... Read More
This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't... Read More
Teens can freely access the Internet from computers at school,... Read More
Parenting |