Teaching Empowerment

What is Empowerment?

Last week, I talked about the importance of teaching students to be empowered.  Empowerment is the belief that you can do something and have the skills and resources to do it. Empowerment is having the ability, power, and authority to act on your own behalf. Empowerment is the belief that you are in charge of yourself, your choices, and your decisions.

Children become empowered when they are allowed to make decisions and take responsibility for those decisions. Everything we do is a choice. Even indecision is a choice: we decide not to decide. When we realize that we have choices and own the outcome of those choices, we are empowered. When we are affirmed because of our choices and the learning derived from them, we are empowered.

When children feel powerless, they cannot act on their own behalf. Children who do not feel empowered will not be able to stand up for themselves against a bully or against peer pressure and drugs. Empowerment and self-esteem go hand in hand. One truly cannot exist without the other.

Affirming children is one way to encourage a sense of empowerment. I’ve always believed in the power of suggestion. When my kids were still living at home, I would check on my sleeping children every night before I retired. I’d kiss them good-night and say two things to them: “I love you” and “You are very special.” Sometimes, in their sleep, they would smile and agree with me. I’ve done this since they were infants. I’ve read about people learning from tapes while they are sleeping. I figured it’s worth a try.

Consider these practical ideas to promote empowerment:

  • Use authoritative discipline.
  • Create opportunities for decision making, problem solving, and leadership.
  • Teach the ‘bully’ to get what he/she needs without bullying.
  • Teach the ‘victim’ how NOT to be a victim.
  • Teach children WHY people do what they do. Understanding reduces fear. Fear is the greatest obstacle to empowerment and self-esteem.
  • Teach skills that help children to feel empowered.

Motivating Students to Choose Success

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How Can School & Home Develop Motivation and Success for Youth?

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