This subject has more to do with a
child’s sense of self and his or her relation to the outside
world. I don’t spend a great deal of time with this, because responsibility has to do with the arena of moral values and
discipline. None the less, in one’s endeavor to achieve, it is important
to be aware of how our actions affect those around us. If a child’s behavior
is adversely affecting his or her ability
to interact positively with their surroundings, or does not get along with
others, this can be a detriment to everyone involved. I've seen the word
responsibility broken down as
Response + Ability,
or the "ability to respond"
When we respond to life and choices
from an empowered place, rather than from fear, the outcomes
will be tremendously more fulfilling.
I have found that this
"platform" provides a good place to discuss this topic, and assists
the children in thinking about their "place" in terms of friends and
family, as well as "getting
what they want" or not, and why. I briefly touch on
choices
here, and how the things we choose can have much to do with the kinds of
experiences we will have as grown ups, i.e.. drugs, vandalism, shoplifting,
going with the "wrong" crowd, etc...
There
is also an opportunity here to discuss the
idea of motivation, and how being
responsible
can assist in staying motivated. There is the importance of understanding the
need to be responsible to one’s self as well. This can be tremendously
important in increasing self-esteem; knowing how I affect those around me causes
me to think twice about my actions.
If I want others to like me, and I want to
bring good experiences to those I meet and interact with, then I need to be
aware of how I treat them.
