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.
insured cleaning company Bannockburn ..Sometime the most effective training tool in rapidly accelerating the... Read More
Often I will hear parents say, "I just ignore Jr.... Read More
As parents, we love our children and want to do... Read More
Who Can Register A Birth? The child's mother... Read More
Beyond cases reported to authorities, little knowledge exists on the... Read More
In the news, we hear and see an increasing number... Read More
Having been a parent educator and a PBS consultant for... Read More
For many years underparenting was perhaps the biggest problem facing... Read More
Managing money is one of the most critical skills we... Read More
"No thank you. Don't bother to send me the report... Read More
Voices have a way of falling into a pattern, not... Read More
I was changing Ford's diaper the other day when he... Read More
When my oldest daughter was born, I walked the floor... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
A while ago I received this story from David in... Read More
In an actual war, to be attacked means to have... Read More
Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect... Read More
Have you made your usual New Year resolutions? You know... Read More
1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times... Read More
During one "generation gap" quarrel with his parents young Michael... Read More
An Awesome Dad in by no means perfect. But that... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
Choosing a good car seat for your child's protection is... Read More
We were sitting in the family room. My kids had... Read More
My neighbours' kid impressed me the other day.I was busy... Read More
expert residential cleaners Winnetka ..Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many... Read More
It is human nature to feel competitive and envious toward... Read More
Q. We just got our daughter's progress report, and it... Read More
NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier,... Read More
the woes of being a parent of an ADHD child.....Like... Read More
My cousin boasts five names and I confess that when... Read More
Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
Paula's last child had just gone off to college and... Read More
Is there a difference between lazy and unmotivated? Why do... Read More
You do what you can to keep your little ones... Read More
An estimated five million scooters will be sold this year... Read More
Imagine yourself lying flat on your back, totally strapped down... Read More
There is nothing quite like hiking with small children. The... Read More
In stepfamilies, big holiday expectations can lead to big disappointment--and... Read More
I thought I was the only one in the world... Read More
If you were to ask 100 parents why they think... Read More
Dining in a restaurant with kids can be very enervating... Read More
In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year... Read More
When your child shows signs of potty training readiness, it's... Read More
There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are... Read More
Whenever parents discuss how to deal with bed wetting, the... Read More
Past experience with federal education programs predicts that the No... Read More
How many times have you flipped through the pages of... Read More
It was blisteringly hot last Saturday. As I took that... Read More
Parenting |