“Practicing Democracy: Our Children’s Right to Equal Rights
During this time the ideas of freedom and democracy are taking a strong hold in the world: freedom to know yourself, to be yourself, the power to affect your life, politically, socially, and personally; who can resist desiring those experiences once they are known to be a possibility? This awareness can even result in the dissolution of political boundaries and the formation of new ones. It is natural that our kids, having been born into a democratic country would be affected by the climate of personal freedom. It is natural that they are shocked and confused once they realize they are not treated as equal citizens of this marvelous country. It is an irrational encumbrance from the past that all citizens do not enjoy “liberty and justice for all.” It is by valuing and considering the needs of each and every citizen that democratic countries and their citizens can safeguard the liberty and justice which is prized so highly.”*
Note: I hope you all realize that any mention of democratic refers to democracy, not the Democratic Party. (This note is included because some people misunderstood the use of the word democratic.)
Can you see how ideal the Power of Respect is to raise the kind of citizens we need in a strong, healthy democracy…citizens who know how to cooperate…citizens who have good self-esteem…citizens who know how to get what they want WITHOUT stepping on others to get it…citizens who know that they can make a difference…citizens who enjoy helping others…citizens who know how to excel…citizens who naturally do what they love, and love what they do…citizens who know how to make wise decisions…
These reasons and more seem to me to be enough to make the Power of Respect the foundation of how we, in a democracy, raise our children. It only needs to be the foundation to be effective. It is simple. It is easy. It is well worth doing.
*From Parenting with the Power of Respect
kvryce