by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW
What is all the hype about graduations these days?
One graduates from nursery school, JK, SK, Grade 6, Grade 8, and then high school and any post-secondary education institutions after that. Is it simply a reason for a party or an actual accomplishment?
Inevitably one graduates from diapers to pull ups to potty trained, or from bottles to solid foods, and then the reverse as you become aged! I recall the grade 8 grad being instituted for celebration in case one did not graduate from secondary school.
Perhaps in a world where achievement leads to success, we need to re-instate the essence of hard work, reliability, and accountability as the marker stones. People need to feel accomplished in what they genuinely achieve.
Not holding your youth responsible for their actions does not credit the child in any manner of citizenship. It takes a community to raise a child, so we all have a part to play to raise a child to maturity.
We learn from our mistakes and history makes the past a valuable tool. You are not responsible for someone else’s choices unless you instructed/forced them to do whatever.
There are always a few bad apples that spoil the barrel. Try to not lump everyone by the same brush.
Differentiate between the person and the behavior. The person is worthwhile but the behavior is unacceptable. Eliminate “good/bad child’ from your vocabulary. The behavior is good/bad, not the child.
Take your time to celebrate those who have worked diligently to achieve their accolades. Each accomplishment is a milestone in your journey of life. For the addicted person, each hour is an achievement.
Name and claim the achievement as yours. You are special and worthwhile just because YOU are YOU!!!
