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Part One Personal Development
As part of family living, children are also taught the difference
between right and wrong. In this way, children learn to relate to
authority fi gures (people who make fi nal decisions, such as parents,
teachers, police offi cers, and supervisors). They also learn to respect the
limits and boundaries of others.
Relating to Authority Figures
It is important for children and teens to learn to relate well to
parents and other authority fi gures because authority fi gures are an
ever-present part of life. Almost everyone is accountable to someone.
Workers must report to supervisors. Elected offi cials must be responsive
to the people who elected them. Even a company president must
answer to a board of directors. Later in life, you are likely to become an
authority fi gure yourself—perhaps as a parent or work supervisor.
Being in a position of authority can be a very difficult
job that carries a lot of responsibility. As an authority
fi gure, you are often responsible for the safety and actions
of others. Authority fi gures, however, are not perfect. They
make mistakes at times, but they try their best, just as you
will when it is your turn to be “in charge.”
Some teens have difficulty accepting guidance
from people in authority. They may question and
disagree with their decisions. However, it is important
to remember that authority fi gures are doing their jobs.
Even if you disagree, you can still be cooperative, accept
their decisions gracefully, and learn from them. Then,
when you are in charge, you can be prepared to exert authority fairly
and effectively. You may even be surprised to fi nd yourself imitating the
same authority fi gures with whom you used to disagree.
Family Cultural Patterns
What do you know about your family background? In what country
did your ancestors live? One of the most interesting and enriching parts of
life is to look into your past and see how your ancestors lived their lives.
The total social environment of a people or group is called its culture.
Our society is culturally diverse. It is made up of families
representing many different cultures. Successive generations blend
these cultural characteristics into their current way of life. They
celebrate their individual cultural backgrounds while also respecting
the many things they have in common with society as a whole.
Each family learns its customary beliefs and modes of behavior from
its country or countries of origin. Are you aware of how your cultural
Police Offi cer
Police offi cers protect the
lives and property of citizens.
They exercise authority
as they enforce laws and
regulations.