Teaching Responsibility to our Children

Isn't this a fun character trait to teach our children? Yep, we need to teach this trait, our kids aren't come with the know how on how to be responsible! I've said so many times that believe it or not, our kids are listening to what we say, they are watching what we do and they most likely want to be just like us! Yikes! Because I've always felt this, I try my best every day to be a role model for this reason. Not only is this a huge benefit to your child, it's a huge benefit to who you are, after all, you develop strong habits by doing 'life' daily and often! What a wonderful trait to acquire by working on it daily.

Well, you might be asking yourself, "How do I teach my child to be responsible?" As a young parent, I found myself cleaning up our children's room because the mess made me crazy. What was I teaching them? As a young parent, I found myself doing their chores, or homework just so we could move onto the next activity of the day. Why?! Luckily, for them and myself, while I was still a young parent I realized this. Therefore, it became their responsibility to clean their room, to complete their homework, to do their chores, to take their lunch plate to the sink, etc. There are so many things a child should be responsible for and we're not doing them any favors by doing things for them. Think about it, they'll go into the world without us one day and may be blindsided by the fact that they are the ones who are responsible for so many things.

As a grown up, we know that our attitude and the choices that we make are our responsibility. We can't blame others for how we feel. As we grow we learn how to cope with life situations, but we can't blame anyone for how we feel about the situation. We learn how to cope with the situation. We learn how to deal with what life throws our way, and we know that there isn't anyone else who can change our deep feelings and our thoughts better than our self. It's actually quite eye opening when you see that your child can in fact clean their own room, take out the trash without being nagged or get ready for the day on their own!

Our character Responsible Rabbit has some suggestions to help get you started: And, do remember this, please:

* You are a role model

* To have open communications

* To encourage them to do things on their own

* To praise them on completing a task

* To praise them for good choices, after all, being responsible is all about making choices, make them good.

And one of the best feelings as being a parent at any age, is when you are aware that your child is a responsible person!

Characters of Character is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit who shares resources nationally. We reside in Tennessee and love the people, the places and the views! Check us out here. Reach out to us at sometime, and follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, learn more about us cause we're here to stay and would love to meet you! Joni

TELL me and I forget, TEACH me and I remember, INVOLVE me and I learn. Benjamin Franklin