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.
weekly home cleaning Highland Park ..Something eerily familiar happened in KwaZulu-Natal's Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in Africa... Read More
While most fathers aspire to become the best Dads they... Read More
Even though the "Stop and Think" movement in ADHD treatment... Read More
Once your little boy/girl goes off to school, you may... Read More
Every summer our daughter goes to summer camp. She looks... Read More
One of my first memories of childhood is that of... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
Everyone needs friends, and, as parents, you and I both... Read More
Being a parent is a role that requires a large... Read More
Q: A parent writes in to ask, "You write a... Read More
As a parent, you probably know that the birthday party... Read More
It's that time again! Parent-teacher conferences are coming. Are you... Read More
"Family Matters" was the headline that caught my attention in... Read More
It's funny how people seem to think that they have... Read More
What makes parenting so challenging at times? One widespread research... Read More
Once, as a Learning Support Teacher, I made my way... Read More
Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More
One of the few decisions you'll make during pregnancy that... Read More
What's in a name? Er?well, everything, really! Of course your... Read More
Being in a competitive world, the lowest qualification to secure... Read More
You've just received a call from your child's teacher. As... Read More
Can you draw a straight line? Most adults don't consider... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
The purpose of this article is to address some of... Read More
The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More
whole house cleaning Park Ridge ..Does music need to be "dumbed-down" for kids? The answer... Read More
Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get... Read More
A learning disability is defined as a permanent problem that... Read More
What exactly makes safety glasses different from regular glasses? There... Read More
Here's some of the bad news about sedentary lifestyles:? Forty... Read More
Over a number of years there have been issues raised... Read More
Researching career education uncovered the following shocking statistic: The average... Read More
Single parenting has seemingly become an acceptable norm which is... Read More
Below is a copy of our eating program for Attention... Read More
Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting... Read More
Do any other reality TV junkies remember a show on... Read More
The great thing about children is they absorb knowledge like... Read More
Q. I need your help with a question about my... Read More
Do you live with an ADD / ADHD child? If... Read More
Q: A parent writes in to ask, "You write a... Read More
Back to school preparations are in full-swing. Soon, the first... Read More
As a parent, you probably know that the birthday party... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More
The key to lifelong learning is reading and writing. When... Read More
In a consumer-driven society that broadcasts values you don't approve... Read More
1. Boundaries are necessary for control and safety.All children need... Read More
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint... Read More
Using 14 "at" Flashcards To Teach Reading:This exercise helps your... Read More
Is there a difference between lazy and unmotivated? Why do... Read More
Parenting |