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Responsibility Challenges

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Respect

Differences are what make each one of us an individual. Society is richer for the boundless diversity of its people. On a smaller scale, dissimilarity among family members is also a reason for celebration. It is also a reason to practice respect.

Despite differences, family members can live peacefully when they appreciate one another. Learning to respect each other requires an open mind and a willingness to listen to other points of view. When family members express different views, set a goal to carefully listen to those opinions and ideas. You can learn more about an issue or subject and enrich your own thinking by opening your mind to new ideas. You’ll also realize that it’s possible to have differences and still respect each other.

 

When we treat family members with respect we show that we value them and we enhance their self-esteem. If we appreciate others, we are more likely to earn their respect in return.

Personal Responsibility . . .

Personal responsibility means fulfilling your obligations. It is being accountable for your words and deeds, not shifting blame to others. It means controlling your emotions. It means striving to do one’s best and pursuing excellence.

As parents, role models, and adults it becomes our responsibility to convey appropriate behavior to our tweens. Not only can we choose to “talk the talk,” but we must also “walk the walk.” In your words and actions, convey these personal responsibility do’s and don’ts to your young adolescent. Your behavior will help your tween understand and develop these essential characteristics needed for a productive life.


The Do's and Don'ts of Personal Responsibility
Do's 0
Think before you act.
Accept responsibility for and the consequences of your actions or inactions.
Consider how what you do affects others.
Be dependable.
Set a good example by your words and actions.
Behave as if someone you admire is constantly watching.
Do your best.
Perservere. Accept your responsibilities even when they are difficult.
Complete your work before you play.
Don'ts 0
Don't blame other people for your mistakes.
Don't take credit for another person's work or achievements.
Don't give up.
Don't let your responsibilities slide.
Don't leave your messes for other people to handle.
Don't give less than 100%.

Tweens and Stored Value Cards
Mom, “I need money to buy John’s birthday present.” “Dad, I need $10 bucks for the movies.” If you are tired of doling out dollars on an as needed basis, or if you want to ease your tween into becoming a responsible money manager, a stored value credit-like card may be an alternative. Products of major credit card issuers, these cards have credit issuers symbols, and can be used at stores displaying the credit card emblem. For example, stores that accept Visa credit cards will also accept Visa Buxx stored value cards. Likewise, stores that accept American Express will also accept the Cobalt card.

However, this is where the similarity with credit cards ends. Stored value cards are prepaid or loaded with a predetermined amount of money by a parent. Stored value cards are similar to store gift cards except their place of use is not limited to one business. Unlike a debit card, the stored value card is not linked to a checking account. Once the stored amount has been used, more money can be added to the card.

Before giving your tween a stored value card imprinted with their name, ask yourself a few questions to be certain the card will improve your tween’s money management skills.

 How responsible is your tween with cash? Does he lose it? Does he spend it all at once or does he think about future needs and save some for later spending?
How much time are you willing to spend with your tween teaching him how to plan spending (i.e., budgeting) and/or reviewing the use of the card periodically?
Does the card you are considering have a PIN (personal identification number) to lock access by non-owners?
Can the card be used to make purchases in the places your tween is likely to shop?
Will you and your tween agree on the types of expenses the stored value card will cover?
Are there additional fees associated with using the card?

Tweens Spending Habits

Return to the Table of Contents or continue to Introduction and credits, Communication Challenges, Health Challenges, The Challenge of Teaching Tweens Needed Survival Skills, Development Challenges, Current Challenges, or Peer Challenges.
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This page last updated Thursday, August 8, 2002 9:59
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