Responsibility
A neat and tidy bedroom…homework all done and school bag packed for the next day, even the school uniform all laid out. Every mother’s dream! While some children may naturally think in a more ordered way whereas for others it may be that the parents have to inculcate the idea of being organized.
Tips for Raising Responsible Children
• Be a role model for your children by giving them examples of responsible behavior in your own words or actions.
• Give your children small chores (corresponding to their age and learning ability) to help boost their confidence, their sense of competence and to give them a chance to show that they are responsible.
• Do not do everything for your children. The worst thing a parent can do is to teach their children that they need not do anything for themselves. Allow them to do things for themselves individually, without being coddled or smothered.
• Help your child to organize schoolwork. They will need to be taught how to manage their time efficiently. Depending on your child’s rate of learning, give them a certain number of hours in the evening that are devoted entirely to homework.
• Get a pet. From a goldfish to a dog, pets are an excellent way to teach children responsibility .
• Be patient. It takes a tremendous amount of patience to let your child do something tat you could do much faster. But there will be a remarkable pay off when your child accomplishes the task and feels confident in their ability.
• Remember that children are children. They would rather play than brush their teeth. Be understanding of their limitations and encourage them to do their best.
Communicate effectively: Expectations and rules should be stated clearly and positively to children. The reason for rules should be given so children develop an awareness of their helpfulness and the respect they gain when acting responsibly.
Allow children to set goals, make choices, and solve problems: Children need experience in being responsible decision-makers. Involve them in setting household maintenance goals and chores. These can be displayed in a chart or contract. Encourage children's responsible participation in family meetings by presenting them with acceptable choices in food and clothing selection, time management, television offerings, room decoration, free-time activities, and vacation choices.
Allow for natural and logical consequences: Children who do not act responsibly should experience the effect of their actions. If homework is not done, a television show may be missed so the assignment can be completed before bed. If toys are not put away, they may be taken until the child can care for them better. Adolescents not helping with laundry chores may find no clean clothes to wear to a party. Children unwilling to help with cooking and cleaning may find dinner will be late and favorite activities will be missed to allow them time to clean dishes. A child dawdling each morning may miss the bus and have to walk to school or be driven in late and expected to make up missed work.
.Believe in the child. See them for their possibilities and not their failures. If you believe in them, they will believe in themselves. If you don't think they can be responsible, then neither will they.
Sources:
http://www.themedguru.com/articles/raising_responsible_children-8613786.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2055122_raise-responsible-children.html
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