5 Ways to Teach Children Responsibility

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As parents we face such a paradox as we try to protect our children from the same world that we need to also prepare them to live in without us. 

Sometimes as parents we fall short because want to be our children’s friend or we want them to “like” us or we simply don’t want to see them struggle or hurt. But failure and some form of struggle is inevitable and it helps build character. One of the main things we should teach our children is responsibility. If we strive to raise responsible citizens it will go along way in helping them to be successful in life.

Here are some ways to teach kids to be responsible:

1. Hold them accountable. If they did it, they need to learn to admit it. Teach them to take responsibility for their actions and not blame others if they are truly at fault. We do our kids a huge disservice when we take the fall for them.
2. Give them chores. I personally don’t think kids should be paid for chores but to each his own. But the bottom line is if you make a mess, clean it up. They need to understand that everyone in the household must play a part in keeping it clean and functioning. And most importantly they need to understand that Mama (or Daddy) is not the maid!
3. Make them financially aware. Kids have no idea that everything costs money. From the house they live in to the Wifi they use and the car that drives them to school. You don’t have to show them bank statements but as soon as they understand the concept of money let them know that as parents we work hard to have money to pay for things. Nothing in life is free.
4. Have expectations. Not only with respect to chores but with school work and behavior too. Let them know what you expect and the consequences for not meeting expectations. If they don’t study and keep making failing grades in Math then take away their electronic devices or no television for a couple of days.
5. Let them know when they’ve done good. Most children want to please their parents and they want to get their approval. So if you balance out the discipline with compliments, hugs, and small tokens (I’m all for balloons or cupcakes for all A’s or B’s on a report card). Just let them know you’re proud of them and you appreciate their efforts, it will go a long way.