Teaching kids responsibility...
By Arieles
@Arieles (2473)
United States
December 10, 2012 3:59pm CST
We received some snow overnight, about four inches, so I was out there this morning as soon as it was daylight enough to see what I was doing and getting some shoveling done. I shoveled for a little over an hour and did the majority of the driveway. I left a little space between the house and the neighbors garage. I left this space for the kids to shovel because I want them to help. They won't get an allowance, they will just be expected to help.
I came inside the house, and my Mom apologized for not helping. I said "Mom you are 70 years old, I don't expect you to be out there shoveling snow." I told her how I left the middle part of the driveway for the kids to do, and not to go out there and shovel it herself, because these kids need to learn responsibility. When to help and do it because they are part of a family unit, and not expect anything in return. So, what do you do to teach your kids responsibility? If you are grown, what did you do when they were younger.
3 people like this
8 responses
@cvbr71 (31)
• India
11 Dec 12
Strike when the rod is hot.Then only we can transform to any kind of shape we want.Similarly,Children when they are young, they should be taught their responsibilities of being born as human.They should be inculcated about right values of life,ethics of life,being human etc.
@sender621 (14893)
• United States
11 Dec 12
I think that we should be teAching our childrren about rewapinsibility as soon as we can. they arfe never too young to learn abiout responsu=ibility. the quicker they grasp what the meaning is the better off they will be.
@lacieice (2060)
• United States
11 Dec 12
When I was a kid, my mom and dad both worked. Mom would get dinner ready, and it was my job to get it on the table after school. I had to keep my room clean, do dishes, and clean the bathrooms on weekends.
My kids were taught to do chores as soon as they were big enough. I used to stand them on a chair so they could learn to do dishes. They took out the garbage, were responsible for their rooms, (although they didn't do that very well, lol) cut the grass, shovel snow, and whatever else came up.
Children need to learn that there is more to life than just playing and having fun. A household is like a small community, and everyone must work together to make it succeed.
@Arieles (2473)
• United States
11 Dec 12
Great ideas, thank you for sharing. My son is responsible for gathering the garbage barrels on Sunday night and bringing them around to the front porch. I usually set them to the curb on Monday morning. I agree, everyone working together is what makes a household a huge success.
@kj_cebu18 (30)
• Philippines
11 Dec 12
Such a good way in disciplining your kids. You are not just teaching them how to be responsible but you are also molding their minds to have such initiative to help without to expect something in return. Hmm..Since I am not a parent yet, I'll just keep this strategy of yours until such time, I shall apply this one and No doubt, this will surely work!
Thanks for sharing this very brilliant idea...:)
@deiusz (193)
• Indonesia
11 Dec 12
im very agree with you my friend.
im glad you have great thinking of it, let the kid creativity for making some help the others. creativity will not make them lazy.
helping is good activity for kids.
they have to learn how to help, why to help each other.
they really need it.
not just going to mall for play, having fun.
learning something is not from school only.
learn from around us is great things.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
11 Dec 12
I do tell my kids that they should also help in the house in anyway possible. Although I do not expect them to do the laundry, atleast they should be able to clean their stuff and be helpful in preparing the table or help me in some things around the house. When they were younger, I would be doing lots and lots of reviewers for them most the exams are coming. I do some sort of an exams style reviewer. It would take me days to do them for all their subjects. But I have told them that when they reach the age of 10, they should be able to study on their own. But of course, I would still help them if they need me, but I would no longer be writing those questionnaires to help them review.
@Arieles (2473)
• United States
11 Dec 12
Having age appropriate chores is ideal. I have my daughter set the table, clear the table, put dishes away, laundry, cleaning up the room from the messes she and her brother have made. It helps to start them when they are young. Thanks for the response
@hoseasmate (720)
• United States
11 Dec 12
I think that children should be assigned tasks to do that involve being a part of the household. For example: The younger children can help load dishes into the dishwasher (non breakables and nothing sharp) and they can be taught to pick up their clothes and put them into the hamper. When it is laundry day, they can help fold and put away their clothing into the drawers that they can reach. As the kids age they can take out trash, mow the yard, and contribute to the organization of the house. There should be no allowance paid for being a contributing member of the family unit. However, when they take on a sibling's chores because of illness or absence (at a sporting event, etc) then they should receive money for those things they do that are not part of their assigned chores. Children must have their own money so that they can be taught to provide charity care and they can learn the value of earned income versus the cost of the latest fad items.
@Arieles (2473)
• United States
11 Dec 12
These are all great ideas hoseasmate. Also by allowing the kids to do chores and things around the house, they will feel more *part of the household and a contributing member* and so important when they are forming their self concept. I never received an allowance as a child, as I was expected to pitch in when needed and that was usually everyday. I like the idea of giving them money to provide charity care. Thank you for responding.
