Responsibilities

Making sure that children learn responsibilities is very important; however, it is good to keep in mind the age of your child and the appropriateness of the responsibilities you give them.  Children need responsibilities to build self-worth and appreciation. 

How do I start giving out responsibilities to my child?

Start out small.  Assign your child a small responsibility first and be sure to praise his/her good work as he/she completes the activity.  A good starter chore might be to empty the garbage or set the table for dinner.  Pet chores are a good first chore as well.  Children enjoy feeding and watering their pets.  Making this their daily responsibility will give them a sense of worth and encourage them to be responsible. 

Believe it or not, having a chore or two will help your child not only at home, but at school.  The development of responsibility will reflect in his/her schoolwork and will show as he/she begins to take action in his/her own success.

Be careful not to expect too much of your child.  It is imperative that you do not set the bar too high for the child that he/she fails. 

Keep things positive!  Don't discourage them by putting down their work.  Continue to encourage and support them in their efforts.