Responsibility is the ability to fulfill one's needs and to do so in such a way that one does not deprive others of the opportunity of fulfilling their needs. A responsible person does that which gives him a feeling that he is worthwhile to himself and others. Acquiring responsibility is a very complicated, life-long, process. This ability must be learned.

If a person is not involved with others who care enough about him to give love and discipline, then he will not learn responsibility. Children "test" with irresponsible behavior. Through discipline tempered with love, the child learns someone cares. Before an irresponsible student can accept discipline, he must feel certain the teacher/counselor cares enough to show him the responsible way to behave.

The teacher/counselor often must suffer the pain of the student's intense anger by firmly holding the student to the responsible course of action. If firmness is not constant, the student will repeat his patterns of irresponsibility. A person gains self-respect through discipline, closeness to others through love. Discipline must contain the element of love which says, "I care enough about you to confront you to behave in a more responsible manner."

In summary, we learn responsibility through being involved with responsible fellow human beings ...

• Added: April 01, 2000

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