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Children and Responsibility

As parents, we want our children to succeed at all costs. We struggle with letting them take responsibility because sometimes its easier if we do it. Although things get done in our time, we are not benefiting our children by doing things for them. We hinder their learning experiences and we hinder their ability to take responsibility and take accountability of themselves. Kids want to be independent, they want to thrive and they want to show the world that they can take charge. (no wonder kids go a little crazy when they get freedom). 

These are the days that we can help kids and start to implement changes in the household to help kids take responsibility and to encourage increased independence! Here is a list of things that you can implement at home that will benefit your child in all facets of your Childs day!

Have your child:

• Make their bed
• Teach them how to wash their clothes (if age appropriate)
• Have them care for a pet (without asking)
• Have them complete age appropriate chores. 
• Identify a spot for their shoes and keep their shoes in particular spot
• Identify a spot for their belongings and have them keep it there (they put it there, not the parent)
• Allow them to make decisions that impact their day (what they choose to wear, what is in their lunch, what water bottle they bring to class) 
• When they need something and they are asking you for it, have them advocate for themselves by asking for whatever they need and giving a solution. Such as: "I need some pencils for school, when we go to the store can I buy some?" You want them to see that they can advocate for themselves but also for them to begin to identify the solution to the situation. 
• Allow your kids to experience defeat or being uncomfortable. Disclaimer: your child does not be harmed, its merely allowing for children to understand that actions can have consequences. Such as if your child looses their notebook for school because they did not put it in the correct place, then they may have to go to school without it. If your child does not pass a test, allow your child to experience the negative grade without stepping in to help them "fix" the grade. They need to understand that parents (as much as we may want to ) will not always be there to fix things for them.
• Set boundaries for your kids. Let them know when its appropriate for you to help, and let them know when its inappropriate. Such as if your child has an issue with a friend, let them know that its not appropriate for you to step in to handle every disagreement, but you can let them know that there comes a time when an adult needs to step in. 
• Help your kids understand healthy habits and allow them to step in and utilize healthy habits. Eating healthy, choosing to exercise, sleeping appropriate hours and self care. They should be able to help you set up a plan to create and implement these habits.

These are small things that can be implemented in the home to help your child increase responsibility, independence and increase confidence in themselves! This can be difficult, but it can be done!

Your a good parent, good people!