The next value in the Personal Progress book is Choice and Accountability. The theme for this value is “I will choose good over evil and accept responsibility for my decisions.” The scripture is Joshua 24:15: “Choose for whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This value is extremely important for each young woman to grasp.
The value experiences focus on the ways to learn the commandments and to feel and recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The girls are encouraged to make difficult decisions now, so that they will know what to in a high-pressure situation. The value projects include organizing a modest fashion show, learning to alternate clothing, organizing the home, and coming up with a way to protect the home from unwanted media influences.
When people think of agency, especially children and teenagers, they often think it means the freedom to do what they want with no consequences. One of the most important things we can teach our children is that every action has a consequence. It can be a good consequence or a negative one. Consistency as a parent helps children to understand this concept. It is important to allow your children to feel the consequences of their actions now, or they will struggle later in life.
As I have grown older I am really grateful that I was taught about choice and accountability. I value that I can make my own decisions. I am also grateful for repentance, and the chance we each have to fix our mistakes as much as possible. It is important to teach the concept of true repentance along with the choice and accountability. What have you done as a family to help your children really grasp the concept of choice and accountability?
Related Articles:
Young Women: Faith
Young Women: Divine Nature
Young Women: Individual Worth