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.
whole house cleaning Deerfield ..One of my first memories of childhood is that of... Read More
Predicament:My son is 4 1/2 years old. His younger brother... Read More
Does this sound familiar? Have your kids not listened to... Read More
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
Reasearch into children's friendships shows that those children who are... Read More
Frankly, as a single parent of young children, I struggled.... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
The human brain never actually stops developing. Beginning formation in... Read More
I had my first two children on either side of... Read More
Elana, born in Russia, was told "We really don't know... Read More
A common theme over the past 20 years has been... Read More
Those of you that have children know what an excursion... Read More
To every thing there is a season, and a time... Read More
Dear Vijay,I worry about not being a good parent. My... Read More
What's hard for teenagersHaving people who don't understand you trying... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More
The Theme from MASHI flipped the button on the remote... Read More
Over a number of years there have been issues raised... Read More
Night Visits From Your ChildIn the middle of the night... Read More
The least flexible character in all of the stories of... Read More
Non-compliance is the family therapist's big word for your child... Read More
We are all familiar with the stories that most students... Read More
How would you like to have a closer relationship with... Read More
home cleaning services Des Plaines ..Not Letting Them Think.We all implicitly know that anything questioning... Read More
Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More
It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More
Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind... Read More
Bedtime and children's sleep habits can cause nightmares - for... Read More
Love, love, love. It makes the world go round. It... Read More
We all scream for ice cream. Or, we don't, at... Read More
Our back-to-school buying habits do not help kids succeed in... Read More
Question 1 "How do I get more time to play?"... Read More
Do you have a high maintenance child?"Thank goodness my second... Read More
An estimated five million scooters will be sold this year... Read More
Loving your step-child can be both simple and hard. It... Read More
I thought I was the only one in the world... Read More
It's no joy to be sick. It's even less joy... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
Are you looking for the Ultimate Airplane Themed Party Games... Read More
Diagnosing children and teens with ADHD can be a challenge.... Read More
"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
Start some gardening traditions with your kids. Give them their... Read More
Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More
I am a dad. I have been now for over... Read More
Isn't it ironic that a country whose constitution allows for... Read More
On one of her quarterly visits to see her grandson,... Read More
As parents, we love our children and want to do... Read More
Homework. It doesn't have to be a daily battle of... Read More
Parenting |