Self-control, self-discipline, honesty, independence, and striving to do well in school.
Parents believe these traits are needed if kids are to become responsible adults. They also believe they’re needed to keep kids safe and out of trouble.
Home chores are one of the best ways to teach responsibility. To get your child to help out at home:
- Select age-appropriate tasks. These can include watering plants, washing dishes or assisting with meals. Kids can also read to younger siblings, prepare their own lunches and make their beds.
- Link responsibilities to rewards. Say, for example, “You’re responsible for making your bed each morning, putting your laundry in the hamper and feeding the cat. On Sunday, if you’ve met your responsibilities, you can ____.”
- Ask your child to verbally agree to the bargain.
- Make sure your child knows what you expect. Meet with her. Tell her what she’s responsible for. Show her what to do.
- Keep track of chores. Post a chart. Let your child check off doing tasks each day.
- Stand by your word. Reward and praise your child for completing chores. Don’t praise her if the chores aren’t finished.
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