Blog #46 – BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS
Teachers and parents need to teach their students and children to be responsible for their actions. Students and children need to learn that actions have consequences. Careful consideration needs to be given before an action is taken. Appropriate behavior needs to be encouraged. Respect for others should be a rule that everyone adheres to. Actions that can result in physical, emotional or mental pain should be discouraged. Although younger students and children have a difficult time comprehending the difference between good actions and bad actions, I encourage that they are still made aware of both. As they acquire more experience, they will begin acting more responsibly. Like everything else that is taught, I suggest that teachers and parents model proper behavior. Both should demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibility for their actions. The more people model responsible behavior, the more students and children develop into responsible individuals. Teachers and parents should also be consistent in the consequences that result from inappropriate behavior. When explaining the consequences for an inappropriate behavior, it should be done calmly. If a student or child is punished, it should be comparable to the action taken. There is no reason to punish excessively. At no time do I encourage physical punishment. It is best to reduce or eliminate privileges when an inappropriate action is taken. Make sure that you reward appropriate behavior.