We are Responsible for Our Behavior
For 30 years, I worked in public education. During that time, I witnessed, over and over again, the positive outcome of parent engagement in a child's education. Parents helped their children succeed academically by being involved. They were active at our school or worked with their child at home. Engaged parents understand that young people need guidance.
Without parenting, some youth seem to have no compass for life. Many did not seem to be aware of fundamental success principles. Without the guidance of a parent, they were at a disadvantage compared to others who had strong parent support.
Anne Frank was the author of The Diary of a Young Girl. She hid from the Nazis for two years during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. She shared the importance of parent advice and youth responsibility in her writings. "Parents can only give good advice or put (their children) on the right path, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands."
Anne Frank was a wise young person. In her statement, she confirms the importance of a parent. They are the first teacher. However, young people must take responsibility for their actions. With the firm foundation of learning from a parent, a young person can choose to be a person of high character or not. We are responsible for our actions.
Parenting is tough. Ask any parent. Parents are responsible for developing their children. Like it or not, the parent will instill values and principles that can lead to the shaping of another.
Parenting takes time and much effort to teach life skills such as the following character concepts:
being a good person
being interested in the well-being of others
being a good family member, student, and friend
being fair
being a finisher - finish what you start
being a good teammate
being responsible for one's actions
being a person with a good work ethic
being able to understand the difference between quality effort and poor effort.
being aware of the difference between right and wrong
To make good choices, you must be aware of character principles. I believe they are the foundation of a good life.
Parents, coaches, teachers, spiritual leaders, and mentors can develop youth character. Having those foundational principles is like having an operational compass. With a character compass, a young person has a better chance of navigating through life's challenges.
Anne Frank emphasized the young person's responsibility. They must follow through on learning the difference between right and wrong. But if they choose wrong over right, there will be consequences. No one gets away with poor decision-making forever. Young people, like adults, are responsible for their behavior.
I admire superior parenting. Since I am a parent, I know how difficult the job can be. Parenting is not a perfect science. Parents make mistakes but cannot drop the ball on teaching high character concepts.
After our parents do their job, we are responsible for our actions. People who take responsibility use a high character compass to navigate.
Martial arts perspective:
At Delaware Hapkido Martial Arts Academy, we know how important it is for the parent to provide guidance and feedback as we teach their child. We are there to support as mentors and teach martial arts skills and life skills. We know it is vital to instill in our students a sense of responsibility for their actions.
Questions:
What would you prioritize as important character traits essential to a young person's education?
How would you evaluate your ability to take responsibility for your actions?
Anne Frank wrote, "Parents can only give good advice or put (their children) on the right path, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." What would you cite to defend Anne Frank's comment?
What happens when a person takes responsibility for their decisions?
How do you build your character? How do you evaluate yourself to make sure that you are meeting a standard of high character?
