Saturday, April 20, 2013

R is for . . . Responsibility

Image Courtesy: Raj Manchekar
Gather around, my darlings,
It's the last day of the week, and we've got a very important lesson to learn. So look sharp about you. 

In your book, La Niña, R is for Razor, an implement that Dadda uses to shave, and one that, because of its sharp edges, holds a strange fascination for both of you.

Take it from me, you're not touching the razor until you're old enough to be trusted to handle it right. We need to be sure that you can handle that razor with Responsibility, the R in my book.

We all live on the razor's edge in a number of ways, and it is up to us to show that we can be responsible. Right now, you're both young, so the only things I'd like you to be responsible for are your own playthings. Keep them in the right place. Avoid leaving them strewn about all over the floor. We don't want anyone to fall over those toys, do we? If we're not careful and responsible, our actions could have disastrous consequences for others.

As you grow older, I'd be happy if you begin to display a sense of responsibility towards things that you share with others. Don't deface your desks or trash school or public property. Dissuade others from doing so, even if it makes you less popular. Treat unclaimed things with the same sensitivity. Respect other people's property, and their claims, just as you would want them to respect yours.

Your proud mamma will be proudest of you when you learn to be responsible for yourself, when you steer clear of the temptation to blame other people or circumstances, fate or providence, for your misfortunes and failures.

If you do something wrong, own it. Apologise and set out to set things right as best as you can.



My wish for you is that you may take responsibility for yourself. The niña/niño in the mirror is the only person whose actions and attitudes you can control. You don't have that kind of hold over anyone else in the world.

One more thing: don't ever try to shirk or run away from your responsibilities. I have learned in life that if you strive to do your best by your responsibilities, they will define you and give meaning to your life.

Responsibility makes so many demands on us. But don't worry too much just yet. When you're ready to fly, the wings will come.

That's all for today. We won't meet here tomorrow. A little rest will give us renewed strength for our lessons next week, don't you think? Besides, we've earned our rest by our exertions this week.

I'll see you on Monday.

Lots of love,
Mamma



21 comments:

  1. Lovely ! I think kids should be taught responsibility from childhood !

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  2. I like the way you connect the words together to give a big picture. Being responsible and owning it is a great lesson.

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  3. They will define you and lend a new meaning to your life - Sigh...Every day, I come here and think it is your best yet! :) A pleasure knowing you Cynthia.

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  4. I love the way you introduced Responsibility and then brought it down to the level of the young ones. You are a genius!

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  5. Amazing one, Cynthia. Kids must learn about their responsibilities from their early years, no doubt!

    You are superb!

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  6. Loved it. What more can I say, when you speak of such great things we need to learn :)

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  7. True that if we want some one to be responsible towards us we shud start behaving similarly towards them :)
    happy weekend

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  8. I think responsibility with a touch of the childhood quirks is needed. Too much responsibility might take away those I think.

    PhenoMenon
    http://capturedalive.wordpress.com/2013/04/19/riding-high/

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  9. Well said. Agree completely, the habit of being responsible should be developed from childhood!

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  10. What an important lesson today ! Being responsible is a very valuable lessons for all, if kids learn it, they will become wonderful persons ! beautiful post, thanks for sharing !

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  11. Responsibilities go hand in hand with rights-- and most parents forget to teach this to their kids. Awesome post.Hope you’ve enjoyed the challenge so far.

    Damyanti @Daily(w)rite Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2013

    Twitter: @AprilA2Z
    #atozchallenge
    AZ blogs on Social Media


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  12. Responsibility has to be taught in the childhood itself,step by step add on as they grow...
    Well said :)

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  13. When we become response-able is when we grow up.

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  14. I completely agree with all the things you wrote about responsibility. It's crucial to teach it young. I'm rather fed up with irresponsible people myself. *glares at husband who's decided not to go to work today*

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  15. Yes, if you do something wrong, own it!! I hope to be successful in teaching that to my kids!!

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  16. It is such an important lesson to teach and learn. Like how you write y giving examples from everyday life.

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  17. Great post! You are so good with your words!

    -Fellow A to Z-er

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  18. Wish Humans would understand their responsibilities to this planet they inhabit... sigh..

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  19. Beautiful piece of advice, Cynthia! I so could hear myself saying all of this to my lil one.

    Its a joy to read you! Looking forward to reading more of you and your wise words.

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  20. You have added a whole new meaning to the word "pride"...what with parents pushing the young ones for further ranks , you in your calm voice tell them , being responsible is where any success in its truest form begins :) Lovely lesson Cynthia :)

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  21. Wonderful advice! Responsibility is becoming even more important, now that there is less of it in the world. *Somebody* has to be responsible for their actions if we hope to have a sane world.

    #atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com

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