Subido por Willy Benzaquen

Positive Pathfinder Behaviour

Anuncio
How do we respond to issues that arrive in a pathfinder club? The word discipline is one that has
been used in the past and has different meanings for different people. It can simply refer to
punishment in response to some kind of misdemeanour or it can bring memories of a place where
rules were enforced in such a way that the place was devoid of the joy of life. Or it could bring to
mind the picture of a Pathfinder Club marching in a community parade where the club members
were proudly walking in step, in full uniform. It could refer to a group of Pathfinders with their
backpacks, hiking up a long steep hill and encouraging each other to reach the top, whatever
the cost.
Discipline comes in many different ways. However, in Pathfindering, discipline needs to be seen
as a positive contributor to the development the Pathfinder’s character. Pathfinders need to
experience a place outside of home where they can be exposed to the importance of personal
and group discipline and where discipline is seen as a positive attribute that they carry with
them through life. The word discipline comes from the Latin disciplina which means ‘training’.
It is closely associated the Latin word derived. The two root words lead us to understand that
a disciple is a learner who is in training. The Bible teaches that the process of discipline
(discipling) or learning and training is most effective when it is carried out in a caring,
supporting and loving environment.
“If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don’t love them, if you love your
children, you will be prompt to discipline them”. Proverbs 13:24.
Here are some guidelines for positive pathfinder behaviour.
1. Rules need to be kept to a minimum.
The more rules there are, the harder it is for leaders and Pathfinders to keep track of
them. Rules are generally based on prohibitions; however, the focus needs to be on the
positive. Rules should be prepared by the club directors and the Pathfinder
Staff Committee.
2. Pathfinders need the freedom to be honest.
Pathfinders need to know their leaders are approachable. When they feel that something
is wrong or unfair, allow them the freedom to talk to the staff member. Leaders should
listen to what they have to say, particularly when it comes to situations that might
involve discipline.
3. Leaders should be prepared to admit they are wrong.
Everyone makes mistakes. When mistakes are made, leaders should be honest enough to
admit it. A leader’s willingness to admit they are wrong will gain them respect in the eyes
of the Pathfinder and credibility in the disciplining process.
4. Be consistent.
The ability to be consistent is both important and difficult, especially if a leader is dealing
with a persistent child, “say what you mean and mean what you say”. Apply the same
principle with Pathfinders. Treat everyone equally.
5. Seek to solve the underlying problem.
A pattern of lateness to meetings or constant disruption can be the symptom of a deeper,
underlying problem. Resist the temptation to constantly react to the behaviour. Paul
might have had this in mind when he said, “And now a word to you fathers. Don’t make
your children frustrated by the way that you When a leader notices that a pattern is
developing, they should ask the Lord for wisdom to identify the underlying problem and
address it.
6. Allow the Pathfinder to help evaluate their behaviour.
Talk the whole problem through with the Pathfinder. Let them cross-examine themselves
and come up with a solution. Remember, the goal is to help the Pathfinder discipline
themselves. If they are teachable, the more they are involved in the process, the better the
chance for constructive results.
7. Never accuse a child; always ask.
Often the eyes and the ears deceive. This is why it is best to ask. If the Pathfinder lies,
pray that the Lord will help them face up to their lie. It is better to have a Pathfinder
know that they can be trusted, even when that trust may be misplaced, than to falsely
accuse them and so communicate a lack of trust. Pathfinders need to be taught that
ultimately God knows and understands the heart.
8. Leaders and staff need to present a ‘unified front’.
The Pathfinder may play one leader against another; if they succeed, their insecurity
increases. Leaders and staff represent collective authority. When they are at crosspurposes with one another, the Pathfinder experiences uncertainty.
If there is disagreement amongst staff, the decision ought to be deferred until a resolution
can be found.
9. Never ridicule or belittle a child.
For most people, self-worth is fragile. As Pathfinders are discipled, leaders need to build
self-worth, not damage it. When Pathfinders are belittled, rejection (not correction) is
communicated. Correction is for the purpose of restoration. Ridicule defeats
this purpose.
10. Any correction cannot be physical in nature.
Descargar