| Parents are teachers, too. When it comes to | | | | and Compassion toward others. This should be |
| child rearing, one of the most important | | | | the corner stone for all other aspects of |
| lessons a parent can teach their youngster is | | | | responsible behavior: |
| responsible behavior. This means helping the | | | | |
| child learn how to interact with others in a | | | | - Honesty |
| way that displays self-respect, as well as | | | | |
| respect toward others. | | | | - Courage |
| | | | |
| No child comes into this world pre-programmed | | | | - Self-control |
| with good manners and virtuous attributes | | | | |
| such as a willingness to share, consideration | | | | - Self-respect. |
| for the feelings of others, respect for | | | | |
| others possessions, respect for authority | | | | Respect and Compassion: Responsible behavior |
| figures, and a selfless attitude. | | | | is impossible apart from respect and |
| | | | compassion toward other people, as well as |
| Considerate, responsible behavior must be | | | | other life forms. Compassion dictates |
| taught while a child is very young so that it | | | | kindness and an unwillingness to |
| is instilled by the time they are older, when | | | | intentionally cause suffering or pain. |
| irresponsible behavior risks evolving into | | | | Respect dictates basic manners and |
| criminal behavior. | | | | consideration toward others. Concern is |
| | | | exhibited through both feelings and actions. |
| Teaching a child about responsible behavior | | | | |
| begins at home. It is accomplished by | | | | Honesty: To be honest means not only telling |
| setting a good example on a daily basis. | | | | the truth to others; it means being honest |
| Parents do this by being conscientious about | | | | with one's own self. It means making |
| exhibiting maturity in the ways they deal | | | | decisions based upon truth and evidence, not |
| with other people, react to stressful | | | | upon self-serving motives or prejudice. |
| situations, disagree with others, make | | | | |
| choices, etc. | | | | Courage: When a person is courageous, they |
| | | | take a position and do what is right, even |
| Parents can help their children grow into | | | | when there is risk involved. It means facing |
| responsible adults by being a positive role | | | | duties instead of behaving irresponsibly, |
| model. Helping them learn how to think, | | | | recklessly, or carelessly. |
| feel, and act responsibly, and to pursue | | | | |
| their own interests without becoming | | | | Self-control: Self-control is the ability to |
| insensitive of the needs and feelings of | | | | act responsibly, and resist inappropriate |
| others. | | | | behavior. It involves sticking to long-term |
| | | | commitments, and dealing with anger and other |
| Accountability, fairness, honesty, courage, | | | | emotions in a responsible manner. |
| and respect toward self and others are | | | | |
| important character traits. Many parents | | | | Self-respect: When a child is raised to be |
| help instill these qualities by sharing | | | | honest, courageous, and to exhibit |
| deeply held religious and moral convictions | | | | self-control, they automatically learn to |
| with their children. Showing "why" these | | | | respect themselves. It is as they respond to |
| attributes are important as a foundation for | | | | people and circumstances in a responsible |
| ethical behavior, even when difficult or not | | | | manner and learn to make responsible choices |
| materially rewarding. | | | | that they discover self-respect. |
| | | | |
| Responsible behavior is a cultivated trait. | | | | And it is self-respect that will hold your |
| It is a characteristic formed over time, made | | | | child in good stead as they grow, mature into |
| up of our outlook on life and daily habits. | | | | adults, and then perhaps become responsible |
| Responsible people behave that way whether or | | | | parents with children of their own to rear. |
| not anyone is watching, and regardless of how | | | | |
| others may act. | | | | For specific ways to teach children |
| | | | responsible behavior, visit the Savvy Baby |
| There are several aspects of responsible | | | | Gear web site. |
| behavior that should be highlighted to | | | | |
| children. At the top of the list is Respect | | | | ©2006 Lori S. |