by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
“The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” — Alvin Toffler
We believe it is time to present a new generation to the world, we have seen the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, and the Millennial Generation. What we believe the generation teachers are beginning to see now is the Click-Through Generation.
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A generation is based on the range of birth years of a group of people. Generations can span many years; since people are individuals, not all members of a generation exhibit the same traits. It is important that we understand the generations and also embrace their uniqueness. Jopling suggests, by examining the values of different generations, we can better understand interpersonal relations and learn to cooperate with others.
As a Professor I believe we are currently being faced with this new generation of students that are challenging the traditional teaching methods. “Today’s students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach”. This generation was born with technology in their hands and they have absolutely no idea of what life was like without the ever present cell phone, laptop, or iPad. These click-through students’ technology expectations surpass any previous generational expectations in that everything can be accomplished on a computer; it is not uncommon to hear – there is an app for that or check out YouTube. If you ask a click-through how long they have been using the internet and a computer, their reply more likely will be “my whole life”.
Today’s students are the generation of instant everything from pudding to news. In a nutshell, they want it all and they want it now! This generation is by far the most confident generation and they want to be loved and valued by everyone. They have never had to wait for anything, they have always had what they needed to get by and often they had much more. Thus, their expectations are almost to the entitlement level; I want it, I get it.
Today’s students – K through college – represent the first generations to grow up with this new technology. They have spent their entire lives surrounded by and using computers, videogames, digital music players, video cams, cell phones, and all the other toys and tools of the digital age. Today’s average college grads have spent less than 5,000 hours of their lives reading, but over 10,000 hours playing video games (not to mention 20,000 hours watching TV). Computer games, email, the Internet, cell phones and instant messaging are integral parts of their lives.
The result of this mentality is that they believe they can do no wrong; the rules apply to others and not to them. They have always had someone to pick them up and dust them off so they have little sense of accountability; it is always someone else’s fault when something does not work.
In school, and in particular in an online college or high school course, these click-through students no longer read instructions and they are not willing to take the time to go through a tutorial on how to use an online Learning Management System or Homework System. Rather the click-through generation simply attempts to click-through the homework and then they don’t understand when they get less of a grade than they expected. The excuses are many and they typically focus on how their technology failed them rather than the fact that they simply did not read the directions.
Even though this click-through generation is very well educated, like all young members of every generation they are quite naïve. They don’t think anyone will question their actions and when they are questioned or the evidence trail shows that they did not do as they said they did, they tend to turn a bit hostile and even blame the very technology that they demand. When, at the end of the term, they get a lower grade than they feel they deserve (of course it is an ‘A’) they naturally want to know why. When it is pointed out that they missed an assignment or exam which was listed in the course syllabus they claim that they never knew about it even though they clicked on the ‘I understand’ button on the syllabus, or sent an email stating they read and understood the syllabus. The click-through students are so used to seeing license agreements, terms and conditions, and other acknowledgements (that few people read), they just click the box and move on to the next page.
This new click-through generation will learn differently and we, as educators, will need to learn to teach differently. The authors of this article believe, although a challenge, this new generation will also enhance the way education will change to meet their needs. The need for textbook and lectures may become a thing of the past. The click-through generation will be the motivators of change over the next lustrum. Alvin Toffler was not so far off.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
Introduction
Substance use disorders (SUD) have been frequently linked with SUD in offspring and bipolar disorder leading to a variety of consequences. Bipolar disorder (BPD) and substance dependence are chronically relapsing disorders with heterogeneous presentations and increasingly variable natural histories. Similar to SUDs, BPD often goes undiagnosed and untreated for many years and later coming to clinical attention after significant progression of the disease. The study of the relationship between substance use disorders and bipolar disorder is important in mental nursing because it reveals the meaningful disparities of individuals with SUD and BPD in terms of demographic characteristics, psychiatric comorbidity, risk factors, and clinical correlates. Previous research has shown that adolescents with BPD are at an inclined risk for developing SUD. Therefore, examining the parental history SUD on the risk of offspring substance abuse with and without BPD is important in assisting medical practitioners educate and monitor families at increased risk. In particular, clarifying mechanisms linking adolescents SUD and parents would also facilitate constructive approaches to lessen threats related with maternal drug abuse. Therefore, this paper reviews literature and findings on the relationship of family history of SUD and BPD that is based on of bipolar disease using a controlled case study.
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Scholars have documented studies of parents and have established a significant correlation between BPD and SUD. Most recently, statistical data has shown that primary inception of bipolar disease is associated to increased risk of SUD. High rates of BPD and SUD have been frequently reported in community and clinical samples and have also been shown to be in relation to worse health outcome, greater severity of psychiatric illness, and increased number of hospitalizations (Tarter, Vanyukov & Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research, 2001). A long-term follow-up investigation established that comorbid substance abuse disorder among BPD persons increased the recurrence of the disorder. Therefore, BPD and SUD represent clinical challenges that have made management more complex. The associated symptoms of BPD include fatigue, irritability, and lack of concentration, sleep disorders, and muscle tension among others. Both BPD and SUD are chronic and disabling conditions that are associated with high rates of psychiatric comorbidity and significant societal, personal, and economic expenses. Meanwhile, the increased prevalence of SUDs in BPD patients shows that approximately 60 % of patients suffering from BPD often suffer subsequent development of SUD at a particular stage in life. Moreover, conditions resulting from use of alcohol are prevalent among patients with bipolar and has an occurrence of 50% in approximation (Tolliver, 2010).
In a study that studied 190 patients established through 104 youths with BPD and 189 patients established through 98 controlled studies using structured interviews, Wilens, Yule, Martelon, et al. (2014) provided significant results for mental nursing literature. According to the results, subjects that had a SUD maternal history were found to be expected to abuse drug (alcohol) in comparison to their counterparts lacking a maternal history. Moreover, the participants of the research that had a SUD parent history were at an inclined position of having drug abuse disorder, unlike their peers lacking SUD from their parents. Therefore, Wilens et al. (2014) concluded that drug use conditions were more prevalent in adolescents whose paternities had history of SUD likened to parents deprived of SUD, yet the threat was never prejudiced by bipolar disease.
The information documented in the article on the history of parental-offspring SUD and BPD would have important implication in mental nursing. Indeed, an improved comprehension of family history as a risk factor for substance abuse disorder have clinical and public health inferences. The article adds to the BPD developing SUD literature with robust scientific significance to clinicians. The information presented in the article can help improve my practice in mental nursing. Particularly, it would help facilitate risk mitigation strategies about familial histories of substance abuse for vulnerable communities. Also, it is useful in increasing my knowledge of the topic and would help me enlighten families at high risk of developing SUD as well as sharing information with colleagues at work. This would create a good working relationship at work and also help reduce chances of parental-offspring related substance abuse disorders. Overall, the information in the article is important in providing family-focused therapy, psycho-education, and interpersonal therapy to families.
The use of large samples that represent the salient characteristics of the population in conducting the research is one of the strongholds of satisfying the results. The use of a big sample reduces chances of error in research, hence hinting the strength of the article. However, one weakness is the use of Caucasian and ascertained samples from advertisements and outpatient referrals, as such, it may be inaccurate because it may not generalize the minority in the samples. Also, the researchers used subjects with an average age of 13 years. This population may not show the full risk of SUD considering their young ages. Therefore, the results from the research would have underrepresented the full risk of SUD as may be seen in full grown adolescents. Lastly, the use of interview method in data collection, as opposed to experiments, might not have captured important aspects of SUD, including urine toxicology that would have provided more accurate data.
Despite the methodological challenges, the data provided in the reviewed article is very important in improving nursing practice in mental patients. Therefore, it would be reasonable to recommend the article for colleagues in the mental nursing field for the improvement of practice, particularly in providing cognitive behavioral therapy, psychological education, and family-focused therapy.
Conclusion
Mental nursing is an important facet in the healthcare sector and the community at large. Therefore, studying the relationship between substance use disorders and bipolar disease about family histories is important in improving knowledge required for clinical interventions. Alcohol use disorders are common among adolescents whose parents’ reports histories of SUD, and this would mental nurses provide family education and monitoring programs.
References
Tarter, R. E., Vanyukov, M. M., & Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research. (2001). Etiology of substance use disorder in children and adolescents: Emerging findings from the Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research. New York: Haworth Press.
Tolliver, B. (2010). Bipolar disorder and substance abuse: Overcome the challenges of ‘dual diagnosis’ patients. Evidence-Based Reviews. Vol. 9, No. 8 / August 2010
Wilens, T. E., Yule, A., Martelon, M., Zulauf, C., & Faraone, S. V. (January 01, 2014). Parental history of substance use disorders (SUD) and SUD in offspring: a controlled family study of bipolar disorder. The American Journal on Addictions / American Academy of Psychiatrists in Alcoholism and Addictions, 23, 5.)
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
According to Cockerham (2004), stress management refers to techniques aimed at reducing chronic stress. He argues that the best way to reduce stress is through practicing healthy lifestyles such as taking a balanced diet, exercising and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking. A popular media reported that practicing healthy lifestyle can help in stress reduction. It argued that unhealthy lifestyles are the core causes of stress. It further claimed that those working under poor conditions for a long period with little returns are more vulnerable to stress. This often results in chronic diseases that are common among them.
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Lowe and Bennett, (2003), found out that taking a balanced diet which includes fresh fruits and vegetables has vitamins and nutrients which help boost the immune system of a person hence making him or her more resistant to common diseases. They added that drinks such as yogurt contained calcium that strengthens the nervous system making it effective. Fish such as mackerel contains omega fatty acids that help to prevent chronic diseases such as hypertension and heart attacks. This helps in stress reduction as the person gets to have a more comfortable life free from diseases.
Exercise that constitutes a healthy lifestyle helps in stress management in that it stimulates the body to release endorphins hormones. This hormone causes good feelings and is always referred to as the feel good hormones. The increase of endorphins hormones in the body stimulates the release of sex hormones, boost appetite and enhance the general body immune system. Exercise also increases the heartbeat rate and, therefore, exercises the heart in the process making it more efficient. It also helps in depleting the stress hormones. Exercise freshen the body as it helps one forget about the stress of the day, reduces anxiety and depression as well.
A study conducted by Thompson, Gordon and Pescatello (2010) revealed that unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and excessive drinking are the major causes of stress related diseases. The study shows that children whose parents smoke are at a higher risk of contracting asthma that is stress related diseases. It also indicated that mothers who smoke at drink often give birth to asthmatic babies. From the study, smoking cigarettes and marijuana cause lung cancer that is a fatal disease. In the study, the argued that most of the alcoholic people started it as a way of averting the stress they had. Excessive alcohol causes liver cirrhosis that is a life threatening disease. It also increases the blood sugar levels that can results into diabetes (Gupta, 2004).
The claims are credible in that living a healthy lifestyle indeed helps in stress reduction. This stems from the fact that healthy lifestyle aims at boosting the blood flow in the body that makes the heart more effective. It also helps in improving the body’s immune system making the body more resistant to common diseases such as cold. Healthy lifestyles also help in reducing anxiety and depression that are majorly caused by stress.
The recommendation I would give to the media if given a chance includes arguing them to advocate intensively for healthy lifestyles by making the masses understand what a balanced diet is and how it helps in stress reduction. I would request them to shun unhealthy practices such as smoking and drinking and educate the public about the dangers of the vices.
References
Cockerham, W. C. (2004). Medical sociology
Lowe, R., & Bennett, P. (2003). Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, Leicester, 76, 393.
American College of Sports Medicine., Thompson, W. R., Gordon, N. F., & Pescatello, L. S. (2010). ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Gupta, S. (2004, June 7). Time, 163(23), 134.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
According to Keech (2010, p. 3), Sports development is about attracting and nurturing sports participants in the community. It is a way of ensuring that sport is accessible by all members of the community. It focuses on removing the barriers that prevent an individual from participating in the sport. To ensure this, they identify the barriers and consult with the affected individuals. This helps in determining the affected individuals’ needs and, therefore, enhances their participation in sport. Therefore, the main aim of sports development is to encourage the participation of the entire community in the sport.
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Cote’s Development Model of Sports Participation (DMSP) better reflects the reality of participation in sport than the Traditional Model of Sports Development in that it enables incorporates both deliberate play and deliberate practice. It gives the participants the freedom to choose the category they want to be in as opposed to the traditional model. The deliberate play is enjoyable, motivating and requires no adult involvement. On the other hand, deliberate practice is vigorous, not enjoyable and requires adult involvement. It’s done with for a purpose for instance; one may later become an elite athlete upon specializing. However, the participants are allowed to quit at any stage of the development.
Traditional Model of Sports Development deters sports participation through the pyramid thinking model in which players are excluded in every transition creating a feeling that even some of the good players are left in the early stages. Furthermore, the approach assumes that the qualities of the players are determined by the experience and resources offered at the early stages implying that a poor foundation cripple the whole system. It further presumes that the progression to the next level indicates emergent ability in the later stages which in most cases is not the case (Wolstencroft and Abbott et al 2002, p. 23). Besides, the approach selects those who succeed to higher levels based on merit regardless of the psychological and environmental factors that include the ability to participate. Several factors such as the quality of coaching, parent provision and participation affect the performance of players at the higher levels. This implies that those who come from wealthy families are likely to score high as opposed to the less advantaged ones.
The effect of relative age is also not taken into consideration when it comes to this model. Musch and Grondin (2001, p. 147-167) discovered that players born earlier in a selection year are more advantageous than those born later on. Their physical size, strength and mature coordination of the game can render them better than the younger ones. They are much likely to be selected as the talented to proceed to the next level where they will get better coaches and more advanced training equipment to become better players. This means that through this model, majority of the young people identified as talented do not get the chance to become elite, conversely, many elite adults were not selected through a standard talents ways or rather they were not gifted with young children.
The above disparities associated with the Traditional Model of Sports Development makes Cote’s Development Model of Sports Participation (DMSP) more efficient in promoting sports development. As it incorporates the gaps left by the old model such the failure to administer better grouping and limiting the adult involvement at its initial stages.
Reference List
KEECH, M. (2010). Sport development. Exeter, Learning Matters.
WOLSTENCROFT, E., & ABBOTT, A. (2002). Talent identification and development: an academic review. Edinburgh, sportscotland.
MUSCH, J., & GRONDIN, S. (2001). Unequal Competition as an Impediment to Personal Development: A Review of the Relative Age Effect in Sport. Developmental Review. 21, 147-167.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
Hilton hotels are some of the best and the largest hotels dedicated to business clientele since they have established an event operation department that focuses on selling ballroom functions. Working at the hotel in the food and beverage department provided me with the opportunity to apply my theoretical classroom knowledge in the real working environment. In addition, I got to understand the significance of factors that contribute to the provision of quality services that is essential in the hospitality industry. This report discusses my experiences such as mise en place, standard drink to be served, working with the task and proper Hilton standard service.
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Carrying out mise en place is very vital for proper cooking of most dishes as well as the organization of events. I realized that making sure that everything required for a particular task like preparation of specific dishes such as ingredients are set minimizes the possibility of running out of important items needed during cooking or service as stated by Moore & Doherty (2011). . Moreover, it saves time, makes the task easier and simpler as well as boost confidence thus enhancing efficiency. Failure to carry out mise en place may result in confusion leading to the provision of poor services thus the risk of losing clients.
In addition, I did learn how to correct service of standard drink to the patron when I served as a bartender at the hotel. This is crucial as it enabled me to carry out responsible beverage service as required by the law. Keeping track of the amount of standard drinks such as spirits a patron consumes assists me know when the limit has been reached thus stop service. Being able to assess the guests as they come into the hotel ensures I do not sell alcohol to minors as well as well as gauge whether the person is already intoxicated since the law forbids selling of alcohol to such individuals as stated by Mahoney (2010).
Furthermore, I adopted working with a task that aided me in prioritizing duties as the job is challenging since it requires the execution of several tasks within a specified time limit, and every task is crucial. Working with task ensures no task is forgotten and gauges the level of performance at a particular task and gives room for improvement consequently promoting competence as claimed by Borlund & Schneider (2010).
Hospitality and tourism is one of the most demanding industry that requires proper training and excellent work experience as its success relies on the stuff ‘s ability to provide quality services as implied by Minghtti (2003).. Therefore, working at Hilton hotel enabled me realize that the basic theoretical knowledge I acquired from LCB requires an adjustment in the practical environment due to clients’ unique nature in terms of taste and preferences. Thus the training I received at Hilton hotel enhanced my ability to relate well with clients as well as determine and offer their different diverse needs hence better my career.
In summary, gaining experiences such as mise en place, working on task and standard service drink are vital in the provision of quality services in the hospitality industry as they boost efficiency thus success as well as minimize violation of laws concerning selling of alcohol. Moreover, adjusting classroom knowledge to suite practical working environment is vital since the concepts defer in their application depending on the needs of clients and hotel policies, and the calibration facilitates career proficiency.
References
Borlund, P., & Schneider, J.W. (2010). Reconsideration of the simulated work task situation: a context instrument for evaluation of information retrieval interaction. doi:10.1145/1840784.1840808
Mahoney, K.M. (2010). Responsible Service of Alcohol: A Way to Reduce Injuries and Protect Against Liability.
Minghtti, V. (2003). Building Customer Value in the Hospitality Industry: Towards the Definition of a Customer-Centric Information System. Information Technology & Tourism. doi:10.3727/109830503773048246
Moore, D. P., & Doherty, A.G. (2011). United States travel and tourism industry. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publisher’s, Inc.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
When a child is born, each and every parent believes that there’s something unique about the new born. From the first day, we parents often feel we can immediately identify unique talents and skills that set them apart. Being objective when it comes to your own child is quite difficult. Often, we parents are tempted to exaggerate the qualities of our children. My son (Insert name of child) is a young exciting boy who has managed to change my life. When I sat down to write about him, the hardest part was not finding the right words and expressions to describe him but rather the challenge was ensuring that I did not exceed the required amount of text.
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My son is like any other normal boy, enjoying most things that little boys do. He spends hours on the seeing set in our backyard, sometimes swinging for hours. He enjoys play group perhaps more than any other activity in his schedule. Play group is so exciting for him, that he will dress, prepare and pack his things hours before we have to leave the house. Last month in an exciting episode, he actually offered to help me complete the household chores, wash his clothes and vacuum the floor so that we could leave for play group earlier. It is not just play group that he adores, he also loves spending time in the kitchen cooking. Yes, this is one of the most unique things about him. He is always stirring something, kneading flour and if your eyes are turned from he or the house suddenly goes very quiet you are most likely to find him in the kitchen attempting to prepare lunch or dinner.
Meet, (Insert Name of Child) the Leader
When thinking about my son as a leader, I have come to the conclusion that he posses the innate talent and skill to be a great leader one day. However, like all other young children like him such skill and character needs to be shaped and restructured so that the young boy can be molded into the kind of leaders we pray and dream of. While he is often driven by what people think of him, for example always seeking approval from myself or his dad; he is quite stubborn in his own way. When he is punished for a mistake, he will ask, “Are you happy at me?” Of course this question is not put across with uncertainty, as with most young boys his age but rather with the charm that comes naturally to him. During his time out, he will smile at me, eyes twinkling and a sloppy sided expression asking: “do you love me mommy?” or “can I kiss you during time out?” Perhaps as a country we could use this talent to get ourselves out of wars and negotiations with terrorists. Leaders are often faced with challenges which they must face head on, ad whereas there are times when decisiveness is the way to go, some situations can be dissolved by simple charm.
I often observe our president, the most powerful man in the world and cannot fail to see his charm. I wonder if his mum can tell stories such as mine, learning earlier on that time out brings out the best charm in the young man.
Defends his own ideas
Majority of the time, we as parents favor children in the family who rarely talk back ad are often seeking our advice. As a parent, we want to fell competent that we are equally important in this world. This does not mean that we hate independence in children; it’s just that our innate nature is to want to be needed. My son is never afraid to voice his opinion especially when things are not going in what he thinks should be the right direction. This morning for example, there was no toast (his breakfast favorite). After a quite convincing discussion, I cited the importance of oatmeal for breakfast. He ate the oats, but for every guest who has come into our house today, he has voiced his disappointment in the fact that there was no toast for breakfast. At play group, due to persistence, and simply stating what he thought was right; he helped a little girl make friends. Some mothers may think of him as rude and lacking in civility, but the ability to simply state his mind should be celebrated.
. When his mind is set on something he will nag, pester and point out reasons why he should be considered. My husband often calls him, the immovable object and we are the irresistible force. It is important to note that while he is quite stubborn often, his democratic nature wins and tires out the stubbornness. Perhaps for example, he wants an expensive toy from the supermarket. He will nag though not by throwing tantrums (I am thankful he has outlived them), pester me and point out how the toy will be of benefit to me (rather than him). In the past, it was in my nature to ignore him, hoping that by the time we get home he will have forgotten or he is too tired that all he will want is a snack and a nap. However, I quickly learnt that when ignored my son becomes even stronger and stubborn. He will not let the issue go. Today, however all I need to do is take time from the shopping just a few minutes to explain why he cannot have the toy here and now. He often listens, asks a few questions and if am convincing that will be the last I will hear of it. Because he conveniently likes to voice his opinion, he is also quite good at listening to the opinions of others.
I look with pity at parents who are often too embarrassed to look anyone in the face as they drag a tantrum throwing child behind them. You may imagine that my son never had any tantrums, and though I would like this to be true; there was a time when going to the store with him brought on serious heart palpitations bordering on a heart attack. However, we were consistent with behavior enhancement in the store. If he threw a tantrum, we would leave the store and go for a time out or another sort of punishment. Consistency paid off, and today, my husband and I are reaping the benefits of the discipline we instilled. No child is un-teachable; all children can learn good behavior. Often when they are misbehaving, they are testing the boundaries that we have set for them. Consistency is the key, no matter how bad the situation gets because relenting will lead to total failure.
Hard Won Satisfaction
As I watch today’s generation, I have come to realize that we indeed have a problem. Today’s children do not understand the value of hardwork. Instead, they always take the easy way out. The rise in teenage crime is a good example of the shortcuts they prefer to true hardwork. Of course we all want our children to be hardworking. However, we often make excuses for them and in doing so forget to teach them the strongest value that is hardwork. Hardwork is bout acknowledging the value of our own satisfaction. Often, even as adults we are tempted to take the shortest path to the greatest satisfaction. Hardwork is not just about waking up and doing a lot of things, and finally lying in bed exhausted. It is also about the results that come from working hard such as the satisfaction of knowing that all you have, you got honestly.
Last summer, my husband and I made our attempt at bringing up a responsible young man. My son had pestered us for a new bike, simply because he did not like the old red bike. Apparently, one of the boys at play group had called the bike “girly” and now my son had become allergic to it. He had resorted to praying fervently, within our ear shot of course for a new bike. Of course, in his little mind we were just delaying the purchase to punish him. My husband felt that the little guy did not understand the value of money and hardwork. The old was actually much newer than he indicated. So in an effort to teach a lesson, we told him he could buy the bike if he found a way to save up money for it. Unfortunately, the poor guy took it to heart, saving all our coins. For weeks, we could not find a coin in the house. Money for sweets was put in the piggy bank and after a while the little elephant was so heavy. Seeing as we had made a promise, we walked to the store and bought a blue shiny bike. At play group the next day, he could not hide the grin. He was so proud of the bike which he had bought for himself. He has now began saving, to purchase a new car. Apparently, he wants to ride on his own like the super heroes in his cartoons. I do not have the heart to tell him that it will take at least 15 years to reach his goal. My son has finally discovered the secret that after hardwork, with challenges and sacrifices: rewards however small become sweeter. The next generation will of course be much better if children not only understand but also value hardwork. It cannot start early enough, as soon as children can understand; it is our responsibility to instill hard work as a core element in their lives.
Total comprehension of knowledge vs. responsibility
In bringing up a child, the biggest challenge has been training him on responsibilities. There are too many cases in the modern world, where irresponsibility has caused serious problems. Increase in crime, cases of teenage parenting and even absentee parents all point to a society where responsibility is not of great value. Responsibility is not just about doing what is expected but rather having the knowledge of what is expected. As a parent am tempted to state ambiguously that my son is absolutely responsible, that he does what he is expected when he is expected to. However, just this morning I caught him being slightly off mark, and this not a onetime occasion. Before coming down for a snack or a short walk, he is expected to put away his toys. This morning knowing I was overwhelmed with several tasks, he threw the toys under the bed and indicated he had indeed returned each item where it should be. Such dishonesty stems from simple laziness or maybe what he considers a tight schedule: cartoons play group and naps take too much time. Each individual has an element of irresponsibility and carelessness; some grow this element focusing on it instead of focusing on becoming more responsible. Responsibility is about understanding when you have not met the expectations of others.
Sometimes, we are tempted to take the easiest way out. This is like my son telling me, he has put away all his toys when they are actually under his bed. However, once we have taken the shortcut, we can become guilty and opt to come clean or correct the situation. In essence, we recognize that what we have done is wrong and could have serious implications on our relationships with others in terms of trust. So what happened after the episode, I later found my son cleaning his room and putting his toys way properly. Having thought that was the end of the matter, I was shocked and indeed entertained to find him in the “time out” area. He had done something bad, and even though I had let it pass, he could not. He needed to be punished, even if he was going to punish himself.
As a leader, subordinates need to be able to look up to you in terms of completing their duties. In this, you need to be completely responsible, not because society calls upon you to be responsible but because, it is ingrained in you to be responsible. Responsibility is a part of you rather than a demand placed on you by the society. With a bit of toning, exercise and consistently, I believe that my son will develop into a mature, responsible man.
Delay gratification
Perhaps, the one thing that is common with toddlers is that they want something and they want it immediately. Delays do not feature anywhere in their schedules. Mothers are often running around trying to meet the demands of a two year boss who wants things done yesterday. I am not any different, much as I would like to be. There are many times when I spend hours playing hide and seek, when I would rather be cleaning or doing something more adult-like. For such a demanding child, he is learning and in fact has come close to mastering the art of delayed satisfaction, perhaps too much.
For example, two days ago we were on our way to vats a relative who lived a bit far off. Normally, he has his peanut and jam sandwich (he is a creature of routine) right before leaving the house. However, on this particular day, he knew that his aunt always makes a delicious fruit cake for him. I tried forcing down the sandwich, so that we should leave but he was well prepared with academic arguments. He clearly stated that not only would his stomach be upset, but he would prefer to wait until the fruit cake was served foregoing even the lunch set before him. A similar episode took place in the store, when we went shopping. He had cajoled money from his father to purchase what he thought was the coolest action figure. When we arrived at the store, he found an even better, more unique action figure that could do much more but cost much more than he had. Seeing as I did not have extra cash to spare and especially for a toy, I advice him to purchase the older toy. However, despite many children walking by and throwing tantrums; he quietly requested to wait until mummy could find enough money to purchase the newer version. We left and went home, quietly without any tantrums; of course we were back in the store the following day to get the toy.
CONCLUSION
I would like for you to have an opportunity to meet this amazing toddler who has completely changed my world view. I know that with his innate character and natural abilities, he can be molded into becoming an influential person in the community. I look forward to seeing him mature into a responsible adult, who will definitely stand out from the crowd at least to me.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
