Keys to Raising a Responsible Child
It is very important that a child learns responsibility on an early age. When the child learns to be responsible it means he will know how to respect oneself and another, self-preservation, dedication and to have pride for themselves. By giving the child chores and, if the child doesn’t complete these chores, punishment, most parents think this the way to teach a child responsibility, which is not.
Children learn to complete the chores, only to stay out of trouble. The child will not learn the deeper value of the lesson. Your goal is teaching responsibility, this include self-esteem and pride for oneself. You will not reach this goal only by punishing your child when he doesn’t complete the tasks/chores. Teach your child to be proud of what they have achieved and the lessons are successful. These lessons will play a role in your child’s whole further adult life and ultimately he will be teaching the lessons to his children.
The lessons you teach will reflect on how your children will act in their professional life when they are adults. If you have taught him just to stay out of trouble, he will work just like that. Just staying low and never aiming for high goals, just to stay out of trouble. When you have taught them to be proud of what they do and have been rewarding them for a job well done, they will want to achieve a lot in their professional life as well. This is a golden rule, and when taught correct the child will have a lifetime of opportunity.
Challenging your child is also very important. Continue to add special bonuses to chore lists. This will encourage enthusiasm for an otherwise dull task. If taking trash out is one of the child’s chores, add a positive motivation to doing a little extra, such as sweeping debris from the drive, or cleaning the garage door. Doubling the pay for cleaning the garage or bathroom is another option. Make sure they clean all parts of the area, this teaches a lesson as well.
Most children like special awards such as what they really want to have (new bicycle, basketball, etc), money related award and stickers. Reward systems and chores are a great way to teach responsibility but teach your child teamwork; it is most important and fun also! How? Let them help you with folding the laundry and making the bed while doing this: recite poems, dance and sing. Do hold folding competitions and challenges. Let your children earn toys and things to play with. Teaching your children to want to succeed can have a big impact on their lives.