Promises and commitments — Ethics, 11–13 years
A promise gives another person a reason to rely on what you say. Keeping it matters, but so does speaking up when circumstances make it impossible.
What a promise does
A promise is more than saying what you hope to do: it invites someone to plan around your words. That makes your choice matter to them, even before you act. A promise can be spoken, written, or clearly understood.
Why promises need care
People make promises because cooperation is difficult when nobody can rely on anyone else. A promise creates trust and helps plans work, from meeting a friend to completing a group task. If promises are made too easily, other people pay the cost of relying on them.
When a promise changes
You promise to look after your cousin on Saturday. On Friday, your parent must go to hospital, so you cannot do it. First, recognise that the plan has changed; second, tell your cousin and the adult early; third, help find a safe replacement. You have not kept the promise, but you have treated others fairly.
The trap: keeping quiet
A common mistake is to think that breaking a promise is always worse than admitting you cannot keep it. That feels reasonable because reliability matters. But silence prevents people from changing their plans; an early, honest warning gives them a chance to cope and shows that you respect their reliance.
Promises beyond school
Promises matter when friends arrange a journey, when someone agrees to care for a pet, or when a team divides a job. In each case, ask: what will the other person rely on, and what should I do if I cannot deliver? This turns a vague intention into a dependable commitment.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…