The Three R's

The Three R’s of Growing Up
Responsibility
Right Things
Respect
1. BE RESPONSIBLE
Most people think of a grownup as someone who takes responsibility for his/her own life. And being responsible shows your parents that you are growing up and can handle more freedom. Here are six ways to be a responsible person:
Take care of your own affairs.
● Follow through on commitments.
● Answer for your own actions.
● Be trustworthy.
● Don't procrastinate.
● Always use your head.


2. CHOOSE TO DO THE RIGHT THING
Some decisions are easy to make, others are more complicated. When it's a choice between right and wrong, you don't need to weigh the pros and cons. Choosing to do the right thing is an act of self-respect and responsible decision making. Here are some guidelines for deciding what's right:
What do my heart and conscience tell me?
● Could it hurt anyone - including me?
● Is it fair?
● How would I feel if somebody did it to me?
● How will I feel about myself later if I do it?
● What would adults I respect say about it?

3. RESPECT YOURSELF
Respecting ourselves helps us make good choices. And making good choices lifts our self-respect. Good self respect helps every aspect of our personal and social lives, and makes it a lot easier to get through the tough times. Here are some things that are almost guaranteed to make you respect yourself:
Take responsibility for yourself.
● Always do what you believe is right.
● Be true to yourself and your highest values.
● Respect others and treat them right.
● Set goals and work to achieve them.
● Say "no" to negative pressures.
● Don't let others make your choices for you.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What is a grownup? How do you know when you are one?
Exactly what does being responsible mean? Name some responsible behaviors.
What are the benefits of being responsible?
What does self-respect have to do with growing up?
Do you think your self-respect sometimes affects the way you make choices? In what way?
Agree or disagree: When it comes to making choices, it's okay to do anything you can get away with! Why do you agree or disagree? Can you give some examples from personal experience?
Why do people sometimes do the right thing even when it's not as easy or as much fun as something else?
How often do you think about whether something is right or wrong before you decide to do it?
What are the benefits of doing what you believe is the right thing? Does it make your decisions any easier? How?
Agree or disagree: By the time you are 35 years old you are certainly a grownup. Why do you agree or disagree?