Helping Your Child Become Responsible
by Dianne Peterson
June 07, 2004
Often, parents ask me, what can they do to help their child become more responsible. There are several things parents can do to help their child develop responsible behaviors. The following is a list of things you might try at home.
* Encourage your child to be aware of other peoples' feelings and needs.
* Have a deadline for when a job or task will be completed. *Children should have chores that are appropriate for their developmental stage.
*Teach children to take care of themselves. Brush teeth, comb hair, eat healthy foods/snacks.
*Have family rules and be consistent about enforcing them and any consequences.
*Help your child develop money management skills. (If age appropriate)
*When your child completes tasks, use praise.
*Let children make choices. This helps children become decision-makers. These can be about cereals, clothes, books, bedtime stories, etc.
*Stress organization. Have a specific place for coats, boots, bookbags, etc.
*When your child has a large job to do, talk to your child about turning it into several smaller tasks. An example would be cleaning a bedroom. First task may be to pick up clothes and put away. Next pick up toys. Then make their bed. Finally sweep or vacuum the floor.
*One final piece of advice. Remember - - children learn more from watching us, then us telling them. REMEMBER - - HAVE FUN WITH YOUR CHILDREN!
