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 ..Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More
The legend and myth of the Tooth Fairy is a... Read More
Everyone needs friends, and, as parents, you and I both... Read More
1) It's not my (pot, beer, cigarettes, etc.), I'm just... Read More
As a parent your biggest responsibility is to prepare your... Read More
There isn't a school day that goes by that I... Read More
Nanny 911 Interview with Montel WilliamsI saw an interview with... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
Back in college, I wrote for a five-day-a-week, award-winning campus... Read More
The children of Baby Boomers, the Echo Generation, are entering... Read More
Perhaps I could make a lot of money by founding... Read More
During one "generation gap" quarrel with his parents young Michael... Read More
Do you have a wild child? Then this article may... Read More
When it comes to exams, or indeed any academic work,... Read More
Even as a busy parent, I'm sure you've seen a... Read More
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This... Read More
What's new and effective in the treatment of Attention problems?... Read More
When was the last time you and your kids rolled... Read More
Now is an excellent time to have your child's vision... Read More
Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More
Being consistent when children are less than perfect can make... Read More
As the father of a toddler, I am an expert... Read More
One of the most difficult parts of being a father... Read More
Chaim Ginott was a schoolteacher whose ideas and observations helped... Read More
Recently, our family had the opportunity to care for sisters'... Read More
residential cleaning services Deerfield ..Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only... Read More
What Children Look for in a Friend?Is this child fun... Read More
Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many... Read More
Nanny 911 Interview with Montel WilliamsI saw an interview with... Read More
Parents are in a unique position to "monitor" their children's... Read More
'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More
The word no is probably the most overused word in... Read More
Are you glad for the chance to put your child... Read More
Is your babysitter watching the kids and your k9 family... Read More
If you ever walk through an orphanage, it will be... Read More
Let's face it: raising children can be quite the adventure.... Read More
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last... Read More
The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More
For any of you Moms out there that are doing... Read More
Q. When you consult with a family with teens, what... Read More
Parental example, whether for good or for bad, is undoubtedly... Read More
Although, not a well publicized statistic, childhood obesity has more... Read More
Thank you for all that you do in the classroom!... Read More
In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
For over fifty years, public-school officials and politicians have tried... Read More
I am a dad. I have been now for over... Read More
In theory, working at home is an ideal situation. But... Read More
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the... Read More
As a mom of 4 who's youngest child is about... Read More
Parenting |