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Step 1
We have a responsibility to our children to teach them right from wrong. To teach them manners, to be polite, to follow rules, etc. We don't want them to be the kids that people dislike.. the young adults that cause problems, etc. We need to train them out of our love for them.
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Step 2
Start by creating boundaries and using consequences. It's easy for parents to want the boundaries. It's harder to keep their consequences and be consistent. It's really necessary though, to raise a well rounded child. A child thrives better in an environment that is structured. Where the child understands and knows what is expected of them. As parents we must stick to what we say and hold it true.
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Step 3
We teach our children responsibility by expecting it from them. Many kids grow up irresponsible, and can't manage a checkbook let alone their own life. We need to teach them how to deal with responsibility, challenges, and hardships. If we don't, they are in for a rude awakening. Many parents don't want to teach these skills for fear to be the bad person. I would rather teach my kids then allow them to experience it and not know how to handle it.
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Step 4
If you constantly pick up your child's toys and don't force them to take care of their things you are not teaching your kids for the future. You are also enabling them to be lazy. If you are constantly digging them out of life's problems and not teaching them to experience them, you are not effectively preparing them for the future.
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Step 5
If you make dinner for your children every night, and they whine and cry they don't want it. What do you do? If you make a separate dinner for them just because you don't want to hear it, you are not teaching your kids. If they go to bed hungry ONE night (it wont kill them), they will learn to eat with you at the dinner table. If you clean up their room so that they can go out and play with their friends, or because you feel you do a better job.. You are doing an injustice to your child. Stop. Set boundaries.
Comments
dthere said
on 6/29/2009 Very good points based on experience...5
cygnetbrown said
on 6/15/2009 Great article! When I was growing up, my parents were very lenient and man, am I paying for it now! These times aren't just do it once and then quit. It must be done with consistency! Well done!
gahazeleyes said
on 5/17/2009 Very good article. Thanks for sharing.
Pamelateda said
on 5/12/2009 Food for thought, thanks for an interesting article.
MyJB said
on 5/11/2009 I agree that when children are old enough that they shoulder some of the responsibility for cleaning their rooms, etc., and that their responsibilities increase with age.