By Kathleen Boucher
Parenting is not done in a straight line. Instead, it may take some dips and curves before newbies get it right. Parents rise to the challenge of knowing their children better than anyone. They attune to their needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Mothers and fathers strive to help their children grow strong in mind and body. Their job is one of the most challenging on the planet. To teach children to thrive and survive in a constantly changing world is difficult.
This article is about what it means to teach responsibility to children.
Here is my interpretation of what responsibility implies.
- A child’s word is very powerful and defines them as a person that people can trust. If they make a promise they keep it. Simple, straightforward. If they cannot keep their word than they let the person know and reschedule. It follows the golden rule of “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”
- A handshake is as substantial as the spoken word. If they shake on an agreement it means it is solid, and that they can be trusted to follow through with what has been agreed upon. Handshakes have been used for centuries to consolidate deals.
- Responsible kids do not lie. This means they are dependable. Trust and dependability is more powerful than gold.
- Children who are taught responsibility are also taught teamwork within the family. This entails doing chores without payment. This might be doing laundry, washing dishes, washing the car or dog, weeding the garden etc. Chores can be rotated or negotiated but not omitted.
- Responsible kids are instructed that if they see a person in need and have the means to assist them then they should do so. If they are unable to help then they need find someone who can.
- Responsible kids learn to take care of their bodies and minds.
- Responsible kids are aware that when they discover their unique talents that they share them in some way with their community. It follows the philosophy of “paying it forward.”
- Responsible kids are encouraged to try new things and make mistakes. It helps them to discover what they love to do and builds their confidence that practice helps them to improve.
In a nutshell, responsible children are trustworthy, dependable, family-oriented, confident, and treat people the way they want to be treated.
Sounds good to me!
Thank you to autri-taheri-528246-unsplash for the photo