As a teacher, parents ask me for advice on developing the
trait of responsibility in their children. Here are strategies to increase your
child’s level of accountability.
Assign Household
Chores. Chores are part of life, and for kids they are an excellent way to
teach the trait of responsibility. The earlier parents implement a regular
routine of household chore assignments, the more accustomed children will be to
completing them. As the parent, make it an expectation that your child will
complete chores in a timely manner and as directed by you. A simple chart on
the refrigerator can help you monitor chore assignments and completion.
Homework is
Child’s Play. High expectations for homework are a wonderful way to teach
responsibility. Make it a routine in your household, and put the onus on the
child for completion. Parents shouldn’t sit with children and walk them through
their homework. Provide a quiet location with all the necessary materials, and
then leave the child alone to do the work.
Allow Consequences
to Occur. Don’t shelter your children from the consequences associated with
their decisions. Allow your children to stumble in order to help them learn a
lesson. For example, if your children choose not to complete homework, there
are consequences associated with that decision. Allow them to experience those outcomes,
which may include poor grades, loss of privileges, not making honor roll, or
ineligibility for a sports team. As they struggle through the consequences, they
will understand how to improve their decision making for the future.
Make a Connection.
As children grow, help them to see the connection between responsible behavior
and gaining privileges within the family. It’s natural for kids to want
additional freedoms as they move through the teen years. Make a clear
connection between their responsible behavior and the privileges that you give
them. For example, kids who want to drive a family car need to show that they
can demonstrate dependable behavior at school and at home. Then, when they’re driving,
they show responsibility by following the traffic laws and handling the car in
the appropriate manner. In return they are permitted to drive more often and
for longer distances.
Recognize
Improvements. We all enjoy
recognition for our achievements and successes in life. As your kids make
improvements and show responsibility, give recognition to their achievements.
Even small steps are worth celebrating. As they consistently demonstrate
responsible behavior, allow them more freedoms.
Consistent leadership by parents along with clear
expectations for behavior will help develop that trait of responsibility in
your child. Monitor school behavior by checking grades online and communicating
with the teacher. Couple the school behavior with the home behaviors and in
time you will see your child turn into a responsible young man or woman.
