How to teach your child to be responsible

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By klnygaard
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teach your child to be responsible

Children need to be taught the idea of responsibility at a young age. responsibility means being accountable morally, legally, mentally or an obligation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Patience
consistency
charts for tasks

Step 1

Teaching responsibility begins at a young age. When a child does something incorrect, they should be told no and why. Even an infant who pulls hair out of reflex, is told "No, that hurts.
Step 2

Moral responsibility: When a child does something incorrect, it should be addressed immediately. The child should be told what was wrong and what to do instead.
Step 3

Moral responsibility: The child should then be told how to fix problem, either now or for future. Never assume the child knows what to do to fix something. The caregiver should be specific, if possible. Ex. "It is not ok to leave your clothes on the floor. Place them in the hamper"
Step 4

Moral responsibility: If the behavior warrants a consequence, make sure the punishment fits the crime. This teaches a child fairness, as well as moral development. Ex. If child spills something, an appropriate response is to have them clean it with assistance. Or if a child does not come home on time, they are not allowed out next night or has an earlier curfew.
Step 5

Moral development: Consequences should be related to the situation. For example: If a child is not listening, removing them from others not only allows child time to calm down, it teaches them that the behavior is not accepted by others. Or that others do not want to be around such behaviors.
Step 6

Obligation: As we get older, our number and level of responsibilities increases. As a child ages, their level of responsibility should also increase. For example: A 4 year old, should be responsible for cleaning up their toys after play, with assistance.
Step 7

Obligation: Beginning at age 5, chores that are appropriate for age should be assigned. Ex: a 5 year old should be responsible for cleaning room, a 8 year old can help mop or set table, etc
Chores help child to understand they are responsible for the maintaining of the household and for their personal space.
Step 8

Set up a rules, consequences and chore chart. This helps keep everything very clear about moral and personal obligations.
Step 9

There are several great books to use at resources. Check out:
http://astore.amazon.com/onlinetherapy-20/104-7692773-8259118?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=4