The Golden Rule: Nurturing Self-Determination in Children and Teens

Reality is changing right before our eyes. Some of us will look at this with amazement and wonder, others of us will look at at it will fear and terror, and there are some of it that just look at it and accept it for what it is.

The more we cling on to the old, the more difficult it will be for us to accept what transpires in the future; while understanding that the “future” looks different for everyone depending on the path that one chooses to take.

It’s all about choices. For so long we’ve been running these life programs unconsciously, not really taking time to know ourselves, what we are about, and what our options are. That is all changing because despite the common narratives that seek to disempower us, we do have choices. The children we love and care for also have choices. There has to be some level of respect for that in order to bring about harmony.

We have visions for what we want our children to be, but who do they actually want to be? How often to we ask them this in pure curiosity and without judgment or intending to give unsolicited advice?

The children and teens that we love and care for know a lot more about themselves than we could ever know. In order to create balance and harmony within our interactions with them, there has to be some respect for their right to self-determination. Our job is to guide them in unconditional love, not to control or mold them into who we think they should be.

That may require re-learning what it means to be authentically human. We’ve lived under these systems of disharmony and judgment for eons, so it can be scary to step outside of that a consider a new way of being. Yet this is the crossroad that we face. Some people are going to step into the new and shine brightly, while others will choose a different way.

We may find people that we were once close to, not longer resonating with us because they’ve chosen a different path. We have to be a good example for our children by being able to accept what is. By no means is this easy, but it is necessary. Kids and teens will also find themselves in circumstances of needing to make choices in terms of what is and is not in alignment with the purpose of their soul. They’ll need our support.

Let us be courageous with open hearts and open minds as we step into a new era. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”

Building Character Values With Social Stories

Sharing stories is a beautiful way to make a point. It stimulates creativity, it helps people make connections, and it’s just fun.

Back in 2023, I recorded a series of character value stories called Solar Dragon Time. The point was to introduce new vocabulary and critical thinking skills while showing the power of affirmations and empowered thinking.

Topics include personal power, self-worth, wisdom, respect for others, teamwork, discipline, balance, gratitude, perseverance. These are now available for purchase at Rose Heart School. A description of each episode can be found towards the bottom of the page.

Take good care of yourself during these interesting times. Remember to love yourself, stay true to yourself, and have respect for others right to do the same.

As always please take what resonates, discard what doesn’t, and follow the path of your own inner light.

With Love,

Ms. Jennifer

(Image: Golden Rule by Ms. Jennifer)