by Whitney Jones
I think almost all parents would say that one of the
traits they would like their child to have now and when they are an adult is to
“be responsible”. This is a broad term that can mean many different things. It
can mean, being dependable so people know they can count on you or being a
contributing member of your family. It can mean, being accountable for your own
behavior and doing something to the best of your ability.
Every child needs to
know how to be responsible. Children develop self-confidence, feel valuable,
and learn important skills when given responsibilities.
Being responsible is
key to children’s success both now and when they grow up.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will
not depart from it.”
Teaching kids about responsibility isn't easy -- but
what part of parenting is? It can take years and lots of practice. So how can
you as a parent make sure that you are raising a responsible child who then
grows into a responsible adult?
First, make sure you are creating opportunities for
responsible behavior at home. Household chores can be the perfect arena for
teaching responsibility. Parents often feel that their young children aren’t
old enough to accomplish many household tasks. Do not underestimate your
child’s abilities while teaching children responsibility. My one year old has a
handful of responsibilities around the house that she is proud to do! She helps
me put the washed clothes in the dryer, she helps me rinse the soapy dishes,
she holds the dust pan for me and empties in the trash when I’m sweeping. Find
something small that they are already interested in doing and allow them to
help you with that task. If they are learning to do these small tasks at 1 and
2 years old then when they are 12 and 13 years old, they will be taking
ownership of these things around the house.
Giving your child responsibility helps them feel
like part of a family and that they are contributing. I often explain to my 13
year old that because we are a family she is expected to do her share of the
work. Giving your children jobs makes
them feel needed and helps in developing self-motivation. It teaches valuable skills
and prepares them for adult hood. A child who has accomplished responsibilities
within the home will be a better employee and will be more responsible in all
areas of life.
Next, teaching responsibility often means stepping back.
This one is sometimes the hardest for me. When my teenager leaves her swim cap
in her room and has already left for swim practice, my natural motherly
instinct is to take it to her. But I have learned that stepping back also means
I have to watch her “fail” once in a while, which will help her build
responsibility.
Lastly, your own habits are key to teaching responsibility.
Perhaps the most effective way of teaching responsibility is modeling
conscientious behavior yourself.
Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You
are serving the Lord Christ.”
We should show our kids and teach our kids to do
everything as if we are doing it for the Lord. Whether it’s taking the dog out
or making dinner for the family, we should do these tasks without complaining
and treat it as an act of service to God. In turn our children will see our
behavior and model that same behavior.
