Are you teaching your kids responsibility?

Family Family
10-12 10-12
Karishma Saikia
2 months ago
Cultivating responsibility in your child

“The price of greatness is responsibility.”

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, responsibility means accountability towards one's assigned job or action. It is a virtuous trait that helps an individual navigate the rough troughs of one’s destiny and lead a dignified life. Hence it is important to cultivate it at a young age. The route to success can be ordained only by bearing responsibility. It is not an innate attribute and hence it needs to be taught deliberately. As a parent, you must convey a sense of responsibility to your child for him to grow as a competent individual.

Also Read | Importance of Life Skills in Preparing for a Better Future

Importance of Learning about Responsibility

A study by the Institute for Family Studies found that 82% of parents believe teaching responsibility is a top priority in raising children. By imparting responsibilities to children, you acknowledge their worth. This, in turn, boosts their confidence and encourages them to think and act independently.

It also instils discipline and diligence in them. It also contributes greatly to cognitive development and enhances the mental aptitude of the child. You must inculcate a sense of duty in children at a tender age so that they develop a thick skin and learn to fend for themselves without relying upon anyone.

How is Responsibility Taught at School?

An educational institute along with curriculum studies should also try to relay to students the importance of principles and virtues. Through systematic study plans and other fun modes such as storytelling, films, etc. educators should talk about the initiative of teaching children about obligations and duties. 

Responsibility is one of the crucial traits for schools to focus on. Schools in the US have been exemplary in this regard as a report by the Character Education Partnership reveals that around 90% of the schools in the US have implemented teaching about responsibility as a key element in their character education programs.

Teachers mainly adopt the following tactics to instil responsibility in children.

  • By conducting group activities wherein they are assigned specific roles.
  • Assigning them homework and ensuring that the assignments are submitted on time.
  • Ensuring that discipline and decorum are maintained inside the classroom while teaching.

discipline in classroom

  • Through the organization of workshops, they can provide students with choices in the learning process which in turn aids later substantially in cultivating responsibility.
  • By inspiring children to dream, have ambition, and harness effort to achieve their goals.

Read More | A Guide to Establishing Clear Goals for Academic Achievement

Teaching Children to be Responsible at Home

According to Dr. Ruskin, the author of “The Nine Key Techniques for Raising Respectful Children who make Responsible Choices", responsibility cannot be ingrained in children through tricks. To do so, you need to instruct them about life skills and inform them about the merits of virtues.

In this article, we have curated seven tips that shall aid you in your quest to incorporate responsibility into your ward’s life.

  • Assign them Chores: This is the most efficient way to immaculate a sense of duty in your child. By giving them a task to complete you foster in them respect for work as well as instill accountability in them. You must see to it, that you allot them work according to their age not beyond or below it. For your convenience, we have assorted a list of daily work that can be delegated to children as per their capacity. 

(Ages 4 – 6 years): Putting the cover on a pillow, taking their plates to the sink after dinner, putting their toys in the toybox, dressing by themselves, brushing their teeth, having their bath, etc.

(Ages 7 – 12 years): Cooking light meals, doing dishes, folding and arranging clothes, mopping floors, dusting furniture, taking out the trash, etc.

 

Children helping with household chores

 

  • Take their Help whenever it is Feasible: If children express their desire to help you with an errand or a chore, try not to rebuke it as much as possible. Toddlers especially showcase a strong desire to do work on their own. You should allow them to join in the action, even if it means adding to your burden.

Check Out: How to Make Household Chores Fun for Your Child

Children helping their parents

  • Action Speaks Louder than Words: Parents are often looked up to as role models by children. Hence you should be very careful about your deeds. Young children often mimic their parents so you should display an exemplary character in their presence as well as absence. Don’t put up a façade, as it does not last and you cannot afford to give the wrong message. 
  • Follow a Pattern: Following a daily routine shall benefit both you and the child. Not only does it add stability to your lifestyle but also paves the opportunity for your child to develop habits which are coincident with fulfilling one’s duty aka responsibility. 
  • Pointing out Mistakes: A child is bound to make mistakes, after all, it is through trial and error that he is going to learn. but if he continues committing it, again and again, strict yet non-violent action should be taken against him so that he can reflect and learn from it. For the sake of the child, it is necessary to reprimand him. 

pointing out mistakes

  • Impart Moral Values and Ethics: Interact with your child. Through dialogue conveys to himself the intrinsic worth of ethics as diligence, hard work, accountability, honesty, etc, and the merits that can be reaped through their indulgence. This shall motivate your child as well as provide his mind with spiritual nourishment. 
  • Never Dub your Child as Irresponsible: Parents should refrain from labeling their children as such or else they will start rebelling. Groom them to take responsibility for their action and foster a non-defensive ambience in your home. 

Responsibility cannot be learned by observation; it needs to be taught. You cannot turn your child responsible in a matter of a few days. Hence should be patient while teaching your child about it. By mandating them to bear the consequences of their action, you are helping your child to evolve and grow into a capable, competent, and self-reliant individual who shall not shrink away from his duties.

Angels Public School does an eminent job of teaching children responsibility. Associated with the field of teaching for more than 35 years now, Angels Public School is a launchpad for young minds to soar into a brighter future.

Angels Public School

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At Angels Public School, learning goes beyond the traditional techniques and focuses instead on nurturing holistic development in its students. Students explore concepts in real-world contexts, fostering a deeper understanding and critical thinking skills.

With more than 1500 students and 65 faculties under its wing, Angels Public School encourages students to become responsible as human beings. The educators at Angels Public School firmly believe that every child is the most potent seed of a powerful human being.

Start your child’s journey towards holistic learning. Choose Angels Public School today!

 

This article has been reviewed by our panel. The points, views and suggestions put forth in this article have been expressed keeping the best interests of fellow parents in mind. We hope you found the article beneficial.
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