| Although I intend this article for children, I have to admit | | | | correct their own mistakes. Of course, you may |
| that many adults may still learn from my message. | | | | provide support and help during the whole process. |
| Teaching responsibility is not just for kids. It’s | | | | Ask questions |
| pressing to pass on this important trait while | | | | Some kids learn responsibility better when they are |
| young—when the mind can still be molded and when | | | | given mental tasks—problems to solve, decisions to |
| the heart is still thirsty for change. | | | | make, options to choose. They thrive more when they |
| What are the six ways to teach responsibility to your | | | | have to use their brains. Instead of spoon-feeding, ask |
| children? | | | | questions instead. Let them find the answers or |
| Create positive relationship | | | | solutions. Let them think and be creative. |
| When you develop a good, nurturing relationship with | | | | For many people including children, questions are |
| your children, it’s easier to share ideas and to offer | | | | eye-openers. They are the windows through which |
| guidance. Before you begin any “serious” | | | | they see the light and the filters through which they |
| teaching, spend time with your kids. Have fun together, | | | | separate the good from the bad ideas. Let them |
| show humor, visit places, discuss ideas, and share | | | | develop positive attitude and behavior through |
| laughter. | | | | questions that widen their curiosity and understanding. |
| Talk about their frustrations, their friends, their dreams. | | | | Don’t give in |
| Discuss what excites them, what pushes their buttons, | | | | Learning responsibility needs time and effort, and some |
| what keeps them motivated. As your relationship | | | | kids don’t want to exert the necessary hard work. |
| grows, gradually expect responsibility. | | | | They like to give you reasons they can’t do certain |
| Give assigned tasks | | | | tasks. Don’t give in to tantrums, excuses, and |
| Teaching responsibility should be routine. Giving your | | | | unnecessary demands. |
| kids assigned daily and weekly tasks at home may | | | | Some kids will test your patience and your resolve until |
| achieve what you’re aiming for. Chores such as | | | | you decide to surrender. Sure, it’s tough. But stand |
| washing dishes and making the bed and personal | | | | firm and just do what you think is right. |
| projects such as making crafts should be encouraged. | | | | Model responsibility |
| To prevent exhaustion, make sure that such tasks and | | | | It may be a tall order but if you want your children to |
| projects are suitable for their ages and skills. Don’t | | | | learn responsibility, you have to display responsibility |
| feel guilty if you need to remind them. Almost all kids | | | | yourself. Your kids are constantly listening and |
| need some gentle push. But never nag. Instead, | | | | watching. They know what’s going on and it’s |
| recognize and praise their accomplishments. | | | | not easy to hide. You can’t afford to be |
| Provide opportunities to learn | | | | inconsistent if you want to teach reliability. You |
| Issues and stresses happen daily and each of them | | | | can’t teach your children responsible behavior |
| presents countless opportunities to learn accountability | | | | when you grab the knife each time you get drunk. |
| and conscientiousness. As parents, our usual tendency | | | | Modeling responsibility may be the easiest way to |
| is to shield our children from these realities. But doing | | | | teach but needs your commitment and consistency. If |
| so may not necessarily be in their favor. | | | | you haven’t done so, you can begin it now . . . while |
| Let your children learn from their decisions and actions | | | | you still have time. |
| although the consequences may cause pain and | | | | As parents, teaching children responsibility should be |
| discomfort. Allow them to see, to accept, and to | | | | our lasting legacy. |