6 Ways to Teach Responsibility to a Child
- Updated on 31 Jul 2021
- Parents Corner
- orchidadmin
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Introduction
As a parent, it can be difficult to handle kids and teach them responsibility. When you see your child turn into a responsible person, it would feel like a great burden reduced. Even children who realize they are responsible will feel powerful and capable. It will also maintain their self-esteem and provide purpose to their life.
With the hectic responsibilities of work and home life, it’s easy for parents to forget about teaching their children how to take care of themselves. Teaching kids some basic skills can help them learn self-sufficiency in an age where we are constantly trying to do everything for our kids. In this blog post, we will go over 6 ways that you can teach your child responsibility!
How can you teach them?
It isn’t easy to raise a child to grow responsibly because they might not understand, throw a tantrum or get bored of your lectures. So, to instill responsible behavior, you must make things look natural and not forced. Here are some ways to help them grow responsible.
Ask them to help
One of the best ways to make them realize responsibility is by asking them to assist you in simple tasks like chores. Every family member has to do their part, and this includes the kids. Make sure they know that alongside playing with toys, there are other tasks to accomplish as well! You can ask for help by giving them simple jobs like wiping down tables or picking up after themselves when they eat something off of the floor. Pampering them too much and trying to reduce their work by doing everything will spoil the children’s development. Do tell them what to do and they’ll surely do it!
Give them a say in certain tasks
It might be tempting to take over and decide everything for the child, but that is just going to make it worse. When you give your children some input into their day-to-day routine, they will learn what’s expected of them much more quickly. You can start by having them pick out their clothes in the morning, choose what they want for breakfast and where they would like to go with you.
Always suggest and not advise. Let your child make the decisions because they’ll like the way you prioritize their choice. It will also put a slight burden on them to choose wisely so as to repay your fair treatment and respect. It’s important to give your child as many options as possible when it comes to making decisions about how their day will turn out. This type of child care will definitely aid their growth.
Reward them for responsibility
Praise your children for what he or she has done every time he or she displays signs of responsibility! Reward them for responsibility for small, tangible things. Tell your youngster how pleased you are with them. If you’re teaching a child how to wash dishes and they get them all cleaned up with help from an older sibling or parent, give them a high five for taking care of their responsibilities well!
If your child is capable of taking care of their own clothing, let him or her pick out the new clothes they want to buy at Target! Lifting heavy boxes can earn a reward too; if your youngster needs to get some groceries from the store and he or she manages it without any help from you, give them a sticker or small toy!
Teach them irresponsibility consequences
Lectures might be boring but that doesn’t mean you should never give one to your child. Slowly and patiently, explain to your child what will happen if your child behaves irresponsibly. For example, you might say that if your child doesn’t do their chores they won’t be able to play with the Wii. Tell them if your child doesn’t do homework on time, they’ll have to face punishments in school. You can also share with them about how you’ve faced consequences when you were also irresponsible. Keep it sharp and concise while sharing your experience because it’s not about your story, it’s about your child. Focus on them.
Be their role model
It’s important that you show your child how to clean up after themselves. If they see their parents cleaning, this will encourage them to do the same. There have likely been instances when you’ve heard your child repeat something you’ve said, and you’ve realized that your youngster is paying attention to everything you say and do. Model appropriate conduct by your own acts, no matter how big or little they are. Every time you arrive at work on time, you are teaching your child how to manage his or her time effectively. You are teaching your child how to be responsible with his or her money when you buy the less costly ingredients at the grocery store to save a few dollars. When you speak kindly of someone, you are teaching your child how to be responsible in his or her dealings with others.
Never compare your child
Never compare your child to another child saying that they are responsible and your child isn’t. You may think you are building up your child by saying, “Look how responsible Jane is! I wish you could be more like her,” but all that will do is make him or her feel inadequate and less likely to try.
If a mistake was made on your part, admit it and talk about what should have been done instead of making excuses. Do not compare yourself with your child as well! “Look at daddy, why don’t you act responsibly like him?” This statement might look like you’re trying to set a parent as an example but no! You are making it look like an unhealthy competition. Rather you can tell them like, “Honey, why don’t you wash your plate like dad did? It will help me.” Your child would love to help you when you request them to be responsible.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, it is important to be supportive and encouraging. Parents who help in this are also helping a child’s psychological development. So, there you have it. These are our top six ways to teach responsibility to a child! What do you think? Do any of these suggestions resonate with you or sound like things that would work in your family?
We hope it will aid you to turn your child into a responsible person.
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