Developing Responsibility

Probably one of the most difficult aspects of raising or educating children in a society so focused on instant gratification is to make decisions with an eye to the future. Growing up, I am sure we were subjected to regulations that were more important for the lesson they teach than the actual rule they enforce. I am sure more than one parent has instituted some of these same rules. We can't forget that these lessons are vital to ensure that our children develop into the adults we want them to be. The same holds true for some of the regulations in place at Holy Angels. Sometimes they may seem petty in nature, but may have a more far reaching intention than the momentary consequence.

We have been relatively unbending this year in regards to our permission slip policy. Clearly stated at the top of every slip is that it is due no less than one school day prior to the event. More often than not, we could accommodate a child who brings the slip in on the day of an event, and it is extremely difficult to refuse a student the privilege of participating in an event. However, we believe it is more important that the students learn responsibility and its consequences, both good and bad.

This concept can be taken much further, be it denying access to a classroom after school so a student can get the books he forgot to take home or refusing a call home to bring a child's homework. Similarly, parents must insist that a child take responsibility for his or her school or home work instead of intervening on their behalf, not to punish the child, but to help build the responsibility necessary for success later in life.

None of us enjoy seeing a child suffer. Denying a child can often fall into the old, "It hurts me more than it hurts you" adage. But it is extremely important that we make decisions not to alleviate the momentary discomfort of the child, but based more upon who we want all our children to become as adults.