Responsibility is gained from 4-H
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EmailMichigan 4-H youth programs provide opportunities for youth to learn life skills like responsibility.
Responsibility is about choices. Life is full of responsibility and choices: choices as to what to say, what to do and what to think. Many choices we make affect many different aspects of our lives. Sometimes our choices have consequences. Responsibility is an important aspect of good character. Responsible people do what they are supposed to do, they think about what effects their actions may have on others and they accept the consequences of their choices. They work hard and do their best.
Responsibility is a life skill and by-product of what 4-H youth learn from their projects. Many of the youth’s projects require a lot of hard work and time. It is the youth’s responsibility to feed their animals, practice making a great cake for the fair, filling out record books to keep track of costs, problems and outcomes and much more. 4-H and responsibility go hand in hand. In 4-H, youth have the opportunities to build this life skill by leading meetings, becoming a camp counselor, raising an animal, exhibiting a project and much more.
Besides being in 4-H, youth also have to learn to be responsible in other parts of their lives. Cars for example, take a lot of responsibility, keeping it full of gas, not breaking the speed limit, oil changes, maintenance, etc. Youth grow up and learn many different things from different parts of their environment, from school, home, TV, sports, neighbors, 4-H, etc. It is important as parents and community members that we teach youth how to be responsible and accountable for their actions. One of the best ways to do that is to model responsibility. Youth need adults to help guide them in a positive way down the path of success.
Think about getting your children involved in 4-H so they too can gain life skills that will help them become successful adults. Contact your local Michigan State University Extension office to find out how to get involved.
