Interesting thought, Mariah.

Here are my reasons why I will teach my kids to take responsibility, from young age:

First, have them learn to face consequences of their action when the consequences are not damaging. It is about creating good habits and good values. By facing minor consequences that are still painful for them at young age, they'll learn to respect the rules of society and stay out of trouble as they get older.

Then there is the "eternal" consequences. Every time I hear of someone getting away with something (murder, embezzlement, etc. etc.), I think in the long term.

I think the biggest gamble we take in this life is to assume that this life is it. What if it isn't? Make a little investment in morality and righteousness and it could yield a great return in the looooooooong run :-) Besides, it'll clear our conscious and make us happier in this life as well.

Just my 2 cents.

Sandy, you mentioned what you will do which makes me wonder if you have any children now and if so, how old they are. Not that its necessary to have kids to be able to answer this, but just to see if this is theory or practice for you.

Also, I am wondering if not taking responsibility for a mistake now, and being able to live a productive life later, has more consequences in the the long run, than someone who takes responsibility, then needs to sell drugs, scim off their parents or raise kids on welfare because they can't make it on what they can legitmately get since they admitted to a prior mistake. Is it moral to "do the right thing" if its just going to make you a burden on society?