How to Teach Children Responsibility

Jamie Sullivan — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:33:51 +0000

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.

STEP 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.

STEP 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.

STEP 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.

STEP 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.

STEP 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.

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

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

How to Encorage Your Children to Do Their Chores

Jamie Sullivan — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:35:08 +0000

It can be difficult at times to get your children to do their chores. They can refuse, and the only thing you can do is reward them for the things they do around the home to encourage them to keep up the good work.

STEP 1 – Sit down with your child to make a list of chores. Find things for them to do around the house that they are either capable of doing or are willing to do.

STEP 2 – Set up a reward system. While it may be small rewards, give gifts out or even reward them with television time. Anything can be a reward if they will enjoy it.

STEP 3 – Set a deadline for the chores to be completed. Make sure they understand that somethings may be daily chores, while others may only need to be done once a week.

STEP 4 – Punish them for not doing their chores. Take away their television, cell phone, or even video games if they refuse to do the chores. It will show them that they need to have some responsibilty around the home.

STEP 5 – Encourage with good rewards. If they are on the right track and are trying really hard to get their chores done, go out with your child for an extra reward, like ice cream. Keep up the encouragement so that they continue to do well.

Child Anger Revealed » children

How to Teach Children Responsibility

How to Encorage Your Children to Do Their Chores