Welcome back!
Remember the lesson from this chapter in The Good Eggs: If we focus our attention on doing the next right thing, we will always act responsibly.
Culture of Responsibility
We tend to create a culture of responsibility, first in our home with our families, then second with our co-workers and friends. Although the world doesn’t always seem to portray the message, a responsible life is always a better life. A person who chooses and does “the next right thing” will always be happier than the person who chooses not to participate.
Being responsible takes effort. It takes commitment and practice, but it all pays off in the end. It is a response to our ability to be who we are truly meant to be – responsible human beings.
Kids Learn from Watching
Children learn responsibility from their parents. We have all kinds of ways we bring our children up to be responsible. When they are young we may give them chores to do – cleaning their room, taking out the garbage, emptying the dishwasher, cutting the lawn. We tell them that we expect them to do these things without being told.
With the help of school, we eventually expect them to be responsible for their school work and for studying. Every parent has their own creative way of teaching responsibility. They may take time, patience, and reminders, but in the end, they all work.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
We’ve all heard the saying, “actions speak louder than words.” We can demand all kinds of behaviors and actions of our children, but the best lesson in responsibility usually comes from their observation of us as parents. Yes, we have the huge responsibility of being the ideal role model for what it means to be a responsible person. Talk about an intimidating task!
As we have seen with all virtues, responsibility cannot be a “when it’s convenient” kind of virtue.
This is especially true when our child’s eyes and ears are within reach. Not to say we have permission to be irresponsible when our child is not around, but the stakes are a little higher when our son or daughter is there soaking up every word we say and every move we make. They look to us for all the answers!
Next week – a challenge in responsibility!
Wishing you all GOOD things,
Sandy
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