How to Teach Children Responsibility

In order to teach children responsibility, we must be prepared and willing to let them make choices and deal with the consequences. This is the best way to help them learn and understand that their choices have both positive and negative consequences.

Instructions

1. Teach them while they are young. Set responsibilities according to what is age appropriate. For example, give a 4-year-old chores that he can accomplish without getting overwhelmed or frustrated.

2. Set a good example by being responsible yourself. There is no greater teacher than a good example. Exemplify the values that you want your child to learn. Be honest in your dealings with your peers, show courage in standing up for your beliefs, do what you say you will do and maintain self respect for self and others.

3. Use stories or literature to teach a concept of responsibility. There are also many teaching opportunities in our everyday lives; look for those teaching moments.

4. Explain the importance of responsibility and how our choices or behavior can affect our future and people around us. Help your child to understand the importance of being responsible individuals and citizens.

5. Talk about choices and alternatives. Clarify that a responsible person always tries to make the right choice and accepts any resulting consequence. Try to relate that concept to something simple like choosing to play rather than doing their chores.

6. Help a child that avoids responsibility by reviewing her chores with her or setting a new responsibility that she can fulfill.

7. Exercise love, patience and understanding as you guide your child to make good choices and be responsible.