10 Tips to Teach Kids To Be Responsible

Raising a child is no easy task and parents often struggle to teach children certain vital aspects of discipline. One of the critical areas where most parents face challenges is teaching children the art of accountability.  So, the big question is – how to teach kids responsibility? Well, the answer is not that simple because it takes time for a child to develop certain qualities and parents must be persistent in their approach to see positive results.

Parenting is not that easy, as it sounds. Fortunately, we are living in an era of technology where there is a solution to every problem. Therefore, parenting is no exception. Though there are plenty of parenting apps to help with different activities, there has never been an app that features multiple things in one package. This is where a parenting and family app like S’moresUp comes in. We strongly recommend you to download and use to keep your kids responsible and well-mannered.

Besides apps, learn about some fun ways to teach your kids to be responsible.

What Does “Being Responsible” Mean?

A responsible child will not only be able to take care of herself or himself but also others surrounding him or her. A child should independently take care of his/her belongings both at home and school. However, this level of responsibility differs according to age.

When it comes to children, here are some examples of what being responsible may refer to:

• Cleaning up after eating
• Putting toys back in place after playing
• Following safety rules, while taking a bicycle ride
• Keeping the plate in the sink without being asked to so after a meal
• Taking ownership of misplacing or losing an item
• Caring for a younger sibling

How To Teach Kids To Be Responsible?

1. First, Give Them Something To Be Accountable For

Let’s start with a simple and yet essential question – how to teach kids about responsibility when they do not have any duties? Well, if parents follow a very casual parenting method where a child does not have any task to perform, it will be hard to ingrain this concept in the child’s mind.

This is why parents need to let children help around the house. Depending on the age of a child, household tasks need to be assigned. For example, if you have a 5-year-old, ask her to put her toys where they belong after playing. This way, you are making your child ‘responsible’ for toys.

2. Set A Good Example

Instead of telling your child to do something, why not do it yourself and be a good role model? If you are a responsible, reliable and trustworthy adult, there are high chances that your offspring will also be like that. For example, if you have a fish tank and your children see you feed the fishes every day without fail, they will do the same when you ask them to do so. And, if you have a large fish tank, consider buying HOB protein skimmers to easily clean it and maintain a healthy aquarium.

3. Use Technology

We live in a digitally connected world and use that as an advantage. There are many apps out there that give you good parenting advice and practical tips. This will not only help you gain valuable insights but will also act as an excellent platform to interact with your friends and family.

4. Think Out Of The Box

If you are trying to get a child to do something, you need to get creative. For example, if your child throws a tantrum at the supermarket to buy her a candy bar, don’t blatantly say no. Instead, tell her that if she behaves well throughout the week, you will get her a candy bar the next week. Here, you are motivating a child to be accountable for her actions by rewarding good behavior.

5. Let Them Face The Music

As a parent, do not encourage irresponsible behavior. If your child forgets his/her homework at home, do not drive to school and rescue your child with a copy of the homework notebook. If a child faces the consequences of irresponsibility, there is a higher chance that he/she will be more responsible at a future date. This way, the child will also know that mom or dad will not bail me out at all times.

6. Hold Them Accountable

Another great strategy that works is by creating a sense of accountability. For example, if your child losses his tennis racket, do not get another one from the shop and replace it. Instead, let the child learn the consequences of being careless with one’s belongings.  

7. Teach About Digital Responsibility

We live in a digital age, and it is essential to teach children how to act responsibly with their electronic devices. Create a framework of rules to use the internet responsibly and safely. Your child should also not be viewing content that is not appropriate for his/her age. Also, limit the amount of time for which a gadget can is used in a day. Set a maximum limit and make sure your child does not exceed this time limit.

8. Inculcate Social Responsibility

It is important to groom a child to be a responsible adult with a civic sense. Lessons should be given on how to behave in public places and how to keep the surroundings clean. Teach kids to extend help to others by including a few sessions of volunteering every year.  

9. Teach Them Financial Responsibility

Your child should know that earning money is not easy. It is imperative to raise them to be financially responsible adults. For this, start by asking them to save a specific portion of their pocket money every month. Teach them how to shop within a budget or with the money they have at the supermarket.

10. Talk To Other Parents

Last but not the least, it is good to connect with other parents and see how they are dealing with the same issues. This will not only help you connect and develop a support network but also understand how other parents are teaching their kids to be responsible.

Your child cannot become responsible overnight. It takes a lot of time to build a well-rounded individual. Also, it is not a good idea to compare your child with other kids. Remember that each child is unique and different in its way. Start imparting lessons as early as possible and be patient. It will take a while for the results to show. Lastly, do not be too harsh with your kids. Sometimes, children need their own time and space too.