It seems we spend a lot of time discussing the inherent rights of … well … just about everyone. But what about the rights of future generations. What about children? What about their rights…
Leaving a Blueprint: Be that person
Should children not have good examples to emulate. Short answer… Yes. But then comes the point of contention, Who bears responsibility? Naturally, most everyone defaults to parents, what they do or don’t do, but is it only a parent’s responsibility?
Maybe We Should Ask Ourselves…
If children learn by example, which we know they do… are we confident that the majority of adults openly demonstrate honest, responsible, and respectful behaviors in the presence of children?
Most importantly, are they the reasonable-minded adults that all our societies need to help nurture and shape future generations?
But First… “Look in the mirror!”
So… think about it. And… let’s be… ah… reasonable in our assessments. “Are my contributions good or, well… not so good?” Admittedly, it’s not an easy thing to ponder frankly upon.
Thankfully…
Many of us manage to set positive examples for today’s children.
Discussion on the important characteristics…
What is a RESPONSIBLE adult? How do you spot one?
First the definition. To be responsible means independently managing your life by taking accountability for your actions. It also means managing your finances and fulfilling your obligations.
With that in mind… Do we fall short?
- Promise to do something but do not follow through; regularly late for appointments/events
- Ignore safety rules; pedestrian walk signals, bike helmets, seatbelts, etc.
- Distracted by devices when a child needs supervision/guidance
- Overspending, disregarding financial restraints; borrowing money but delaying on paying back, impulse shopping without regard to household needs
- Leave mess for someone else to clean; lying to avoid consequences/make excuses
- Poor nutritional choices; excessive screen time; blaming someone else for shortcomings
What are the obvious traits of a RESPECTFUL adult?
Respectful means— accepting others for who they are. This holds true even if they are different from you. It also applies if you don’t agree with them. Respectful behavior demonstrates being polite/not interrupting others or causing disturbances.
With that in mind, do we…
- Belittle, mock, or speak sarcastically as a means to hurt others
- Speak in a condescending tone, sigh loudly, eye-rolling
- Argue/shout/name-call/insult/cut in line
- Refuse to listen/walk off in mid-conversation
- Interrupt/talk over/act dismissive/use device while someone is talking
- Gossip/speak poorly of others/post negative comments
How does a REASONABLE adult behave?
Defining reasonable as—having sound judgment, being fair and sensible, able to think, understand, and make decisions logically. Willing to be reasoned with/not prone to being foolish/unreasonable/defensive.
Evaluate whether or not we are able to be reasoned with…
- Refuse to consider any other viewpoint; always needing to be right, regardless of facts
- Making a scene in public when challenged/acting stubbornly
- Slam door/throw things/make threats when confronted
- Quick to retaliate/blame someone else/become physically aggressive
- Silent treatment/refusing to have rational discussion
- Choose to display mood swings/indulge in outbursts/cause tension or fear to escalate
Remember
A child may be watching. Fact: kids learn by the examples they see on a regular basis.
As responsible, respectful, and reasonable adults, let’s do the best we can to help future generations. It is within us to do so.
Improvement is only a decision away.
Thanks for the visit
Suzanne writes children’s fictional stories relating to health and making healthy choices.
- Her characters are always learning how to better themselves even in the presence of unreasonableness (hehe).
- Striving to be responsible and accountable is subtly woven into these character-driven health books. Find Suzanne’s author page on Amazon. (Granola Brea Health-nut series; Nevin Smart books; The Granola Experience)
Purchase one of Suzanne Rightley’s health-focused books for a child or children you know and care about. Positive examples come in many forms. These books may be the small contribution that helps you build the big picture for future generations.
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