I am intending to write a series of posts on this subject. Not only is it timely with everyone thinking about politics in this country, but it seems to be an overlooked issue, as you will discover…..
“In a thriving democracy, citizens must have the ability to think for themselves, to make wise decisions which contribute to the well-being of the nation; for the whole to be strong, the parts must be strong.
It is important that the citizens have a strong sense of self-worth, believing that their contribution to the whole is important and valuable, otherwise why participate, why bother to vote?
When people with self-respect contribute, they tend to do their best; the excellence of their efforts adds to the richness of the nation.
Democracy is a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.””*
How many people think of children while they are thinking of politics? How many include the thinking of children in their political conversations, except for baby-kissing?
Who are going to be the voters of the future? Who are going to be the adults in our democracy? Might it not be a good idea to give some thought to these citizens, to help them become the best quality citizens we can?
The Power of Respect helps this happen. When it is the foundation, children:
are given the opportunity to be part of the decision-making process of the household
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get to practice making decisions as part of the family group
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learn decision-making skills
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learn what to do when a decision doesn’t work for those involved
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learn to get what they need in harmony with others
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experience the satisfaction of helping others get what they need
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through practice, learn to make wise, efficient decisions
Political apathy has been an affliction for our democracy. The statistics seem much higher than they used to be, but on average only 64% of the voting population vote. Imagine if everyone voted wisely…
When the Power of Respect is the foundation, children:
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feel good about themselves because they play an important role in the family
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feel safe because decisions won’t be made that they don’t like
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respect themselves because their loved ones respect them and their contributions
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enjoy being an important part of a decision making group
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happily do their best to cooperate with the group efforts
“Wouldn’t NOW be a good time”** to start using the Power of Respect with your children or children you know or work with?
* From the book: Parenting for the New Millennium and the ebooks: Parenting with the Power of Respect & Teens and the Power of Respect by Karen Ryce at http://www.parentchildteacher.com
** James Arthur Ray – if you ever get a chance to hear him, go for it! http://jamesray.com
kvryce