The key to raising kids to become dependable and sensible adults one day is by teaching them responsibility and being accountable for himself and his behavior. Have a look at these simple tips on how to raise responsible children.
** On 24 February 2021 I was live on Radio Islam International to discuss this topic with Faaiza – listen to the discussion here **
How to raise responsible children
- The younger you start, the better. Young kids can help you with setting the dinner table, or packing away their toys in their toy box after playing. It helps to find children’s books on the importance of responsibility. Children often identify with cute characters in storybooks or shows they love watching. Not only is story time an excellent time for parent-child bonding, but it can teach your child valuable skills that he will use throughout his life.
- Teach them how the tasks must be performed and be clear about your expectations. Kids often imitate us, and it is easier for them to do it right if they know how to do it. Use those imitation skills to work to your advantage.
- Allow your kids to show others how a task must be done. Skills are always reinforced better once you are teaching it to someone else.
- Set an example by being consistent and trustworthy. Kids watch us and monitor our moves. If they see you acting trustworthy, dependable, and responsible frequently, they will follow suit and learn that being responsible is the way right way of doing things.
- When you’ve made a mistake, always apologize. Children will see that people make mistakes and its important to own up to it. Don’t blame others for your mistakes and show your kids that there is no shame in doing the right thing and admitting when you’ve made a mistake or done something wrong.
- Give kids some chores that involves responsibility within the household. It is essential to give them a job that matters and make sure they understand why it makes a difference. For instance, if you have a family dog, walking the dog is an essential thing for both the dog and your family. Both sides will be thankful.
- Acknowledge that your children will make mistakes. We sometimes forget, especially with teens and older kids. Children are still kids whose brains are not yet fully developed.
- Try not to nag, criticize, or yell even if it is difficult. If you avoid nagging, criticizing, and yelling, there will be a lot less conflict when you’re correcting or teaching behavior.
- Work together as a household. Don’t give your kids chores that you simply don’t want to do yourself. Switch it up and let each household member get a chance to do the less enjoyable chores like taking out the trash or cleaning the bathtub.
- Give your kids friendly reminders every now and again. Remind them that everyone has chores to do that are unpleasant but needs to be done. It is not fair that one person gets to do all the chores. You as a family all work together to keep things tidy and clean and to work together as a family unit.
We hope this post has been helpful and that you will benefit from these ten tips to teach you children responsibility for them to grown into responsible and sensible young adults.