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.
limousine airport Glendale Heights .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareIt's funny how people seem to think that they have... Read More
It can be difficult on all family members to have... Read More
Very often, new parents rely on a parenting tip or... Read More
If you had to spend 4 or 5 hours in... Read More
If you spend any time in the parenting section of... Read More
Being in a competitive world, the lowest qualification to secure... Read More
Best friends! It may seem impossible to believe, but today's... Read More
Goal setting is essential for building a successful life. However,... Read More
Teri was 5. As younger siblings do, she looked up... Read More
It was no contest. Given a choice between a ball... Read More
She slipped her small, soft eight-year-old hand into mine. Her... Read More
At first I thought of titling this article "The Lazy... Read More
Children are moral and make moral determinations... at least until... Read More
If you were to ask 100 parents why they think... Read More
Is Homework Really That Important?Dear Friends,I no longer teach in... Read More
There are so many learning labels floating around these days... Read More
Vacations and trips are great family events, but how do... Read More
Rule #1 Make Every Bite Count!Everything your child eats should... Read More
Did you know that the school system is only able... Read More
NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier,... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
Before my daughter was born my house was... Read More
I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More
As a parent there are lots of things that you... Read More
The techniques of managing relationships between parents and their children... Read More
Lincoln Stretch rentals Willowbrook ..For any of you Moms out there that are doing... Read More
Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical disorder that is statistically... Read More
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
As a step daughter and step grand daughter, I followed... Read More
Teenagers are a work-in-progress, and parenting teenagers can be tricky... Read More
How often do you think of family life as an... Read More
Not nearly as often as it should. Most child abuse... Read More
We all want to comfort our children after they suffer... Read More
Dear Camille,As I thumb through the photographs that I carry... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get... Read More
1. Boundaries are necessary for control and safety.All children need... Read More
Strollers offer a wonderful and convenient service to parents and... Read More
There are some grounds to assume that a cognitive dissonance... Read More
Jason Meridith's two-year old son whines when he wants more... Read More
Did you know that inconsistency on matters of discipline gives... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
I never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
We all wish that our children should not smoke or... Read More
Back in college, I wrote for a five-day-a-week, award-winning campus... Read More
Dear Vijay,I worry about not being a good parent. My... Read More
The older my daughter gets the more it's sinking in... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
Emotional OverloadMany single parents say they deal with a variety... Read More
Many parents seem to be more than a little confused... Read More
Parenting |