Teaching Responsibility to Young Children

In today's society, it seems that we have forgotten how to teach our children a very important lesson: responsibility. You know, how to be accountable for their actions and be a positive, functioning member of a family and community. Even young children can learn this valuable life lesson. It is important that we not wait until it is to late to teach our children how to be responsible and accountable.

First of all, teach your child(ren) early on that every action has a consequence. If they misbehave, they should be warned and disciplined. Even small children can learn this if parents and caregivers are persistent and consistent in their child rearing. Teach your children about feelings and emotions. It is common for young children to hit, kick, pinch and bite other children. However, you can show your child that these actions are not appropriate and that they are unacceptable. Teaching children that their actions have consequences will keep them out of trouble later in life. For some reason, kids grow up believing that they can do whatever they would like because rules have not been enforced.

Encourage your child to be a positive, functioning member of the family and community. Explain to your child that every person has duties to fulfill to keep a family and community running smoothly. Ask your child to help out around the house with chores. Small children can do alot more than we give them credit for. Show your child how to make their bed and ask them to do it daily. Young children can help unload the dishwasher, fold laundry, take out trash, sweep, vacuum, feed pets, set the table for dinner, dust and pick up their toys. Every member of the family should be helping around the home and your child should see this. As for the community, encourage your child to volunteer their time or skills. Nursing homes are a great place to take children to visit, color and sing with the elderly residents. Provide gloves and a bag for your child and go out as a family to clean up trash from the roadways. Volunteer your time at a local homeless shelter so that your child sees there are people who are less fortunate than they are. There are many ways that children can get involved and help around their community.

Later in the school aged years, make sure that your child completes his/her schoolwork to the best of their ability. Get them involved in activities that promote responsibility and life skills. GIrl and boy scouts, 4H clubs, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters and other clubs within the community are great places to start.

Most importantly, it is important to acknowledge when your child is doing well and showing an effort to take responsbility for themselves. Giving your child a high five or pat on the back for a job well done is a nice way to show that you have observed them at their finest. Responsibility should be an expectation.