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.
cleaning service near Bannockburn ..In our last issue we posted some of our suggested... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
When choosing the perfect jogging stroller, a very important question... Read More
When your child shows signs of potty training readiness, it's... Read More
The law of -ing.The law of -ing refers to a... Read More
Did you know that inconsistency on matters of discipline gives... Read More
When my oldest daughter was born, I walked the floor... Read More
What's new and effective in the treatment of Attention problems?... Read More
I WAS AMAZEDI could hardly believe what I was hearing.... Read More
Until the moment I became a mother, I couldn't quite... Read More
If you are a parent, then more than likely you... Read More
Q. My daughter is a junior in high school and... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
How often do you think of family life as an... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 31,... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
Bullies are an ugly but very real part of childhood.... Read More
There are a few points about shyness in children which... Read More
Do you have a high maintenance child?"Thank goodness my second... Read More
Raising a pre-teen or teenage daughter (or son) is not... Read More
Home-schooling provides children with a superior education. Parents can quickly... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
Although it's hard to say when the first stuffed dogs... Read More
the woes of being a parent of an ADHD child.....Like... Read More
Handing Down Malignancy.Children may begin bright and eager to face... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Mundelein ..Q. "What do you want to be when you grow... Read More
The Theme from MASHI flipped the button on the remote... Read More
It's that time of year when mom and dad look... Read More
Jason Roberts listened to his son's explanation of the missing... Read More
There is nothing pleasant about failure, at least not at... Read More
Children explore the world around them and learn through pretend... Read More
Strollers offer a wonderful and convenient service to parents and... Read More
Today's dads are more hands-on than ever before and their... Read More
If your parenting methods include abuse of any kind; physical,... Read More
Although it's hard to say when the first stuffed dogs... Read More
Every summer our daughter goes to summer camp. She looks... Read More
"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I... Read More
Bullies are an ugly but very real part of childhood.... Read More
Emotional OverloadMany single parents say they deal with a variety... Read More
It's funny how people seem to think that they have... Read More
What's hard for teenagersHaving people who don't understand you trying... Read More
Q: Whenever we tell my daughter "no," she just bugs... Read More
Public education in the United States has never been equal... Read More
"Family Matters" was the headline that caught my attention in... Read More
Many years ago, my children were raised on the various... Read More
Imagine having no television for an entire season. Such was... Read More
My husband and I have a 12-year-old daughter who wanted... Read More
Home-schooling removes children from public school. That alone makes home-schooling... Read More
When a child wets the bed they worry. Children tend... Read More
Parenting |