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.
housekeepers near Des Plaines ..Remember when cash was a tangible commodity in all of... Read More
All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through... Read More
Children are notoriously bad at drinking enough liquids. They are... Read More
There are few thoughts as terrifying as the abduction of... Read More
Ritalin is a good medication with a bad reputation. Its... Read More
Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More
When our oldest son was 2, my wife went out... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
The following spelling games can be used by parents to... Read More
As a parent your biggest responsibility is to prepare your... Read More
Does your child pout, blame and brood? Does he gripe,... Read More
Even as a busy parent, I'm sure you've seen a... Read More
Once upon a time there was a beautiful bird whose... Read More
Whether children attend public or private schools, they benefit when... Read More
In our last issue we posted some of our suggested... Read More
When kids try new things, sometimes it's a 'fit' and... Read More
Even though the "Stop and Think" movement in ADHD treatment... Read More
"I wipe my baby's chin with my college diploma and... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comParents ? Minimize Homework Hassles?It's... Read More
If you had to spend 4 or 5 hours in... Read More
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the... Read More
Something eerily familiar happened in KwaZulu-Natal's Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in Africa... Read More
Let's face it: raising children can be quite the adventure.... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed being a parent? Do you want... Read More
In my opinion, these things matter...1. Enjoying childlike delights before... Read More
custom home cleaning Glenview .."Will my doubts and fears affect my child?" This father... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't... Read More
It's no joy to be sick. It's even less joy... Read More
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last... Read More
Just a couple of years ago Annie helped her parents... Read More
When it's time to put your child into a daycare... Read More
Back in college, I wrote for a five-day-a-week, award-winning campus... Read More
Childhood friendships are as special as they are a necessary... Read More
The word no is probably the most overused word in... Read More
Voices have a way of falling into a pattern, not... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comLegacy to Your ChildrenIt's 6:30... Read More
Oh yes you have! Suddenly, "Where's Bobby?" You instantly realize... Read More
The debate in many towns continues throughout this country about... Read More
I remember watching my 18-month-old son eat a big frosted... Read More
There's a new trend for party entertainment. It seems as... Read More
Jason Roberts listened to his son's explanation of the missing... Read More
Everyone loves penguins. And now, everyone has a chance to... Read More
How should one look upon Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)... Read More
Many parents seem to be more than a little confused... Read More
Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many... Read More
Is your weekly shopping trip with the kids an absolute... Read More
Sometime the most effective training tool in rapidly accelerating the... Read More
Karen, a single never-married thirty-year old attorney has a four-year... Read More
Should a parent give a child a tangible reward when... Read More
Parenting |