Developing Dependability and Sound Judgment
Responsibility can be a tough word to define, as it encompasses other skills and abilities. It includes accountability, conscientiousness, good decision-making, and good judgment. It means seeing something that needs to be done and taking care of it, helping others when they need it, knowing how to solve problems, and keeping one’s word.
Responsible behavior requires a combination of maturity, awareness, effort, and kindness, all skills that kids and young teens are working on developing. Keep in mind that developing responsible behavior doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a learning process.
How can you enhance the development of responsibility?
Here are five ways that adults can help:
1)Modeling Responsible Behavior:
Kids learn more from your actions than they do from your words. When you act responsibly, articulate it out loud. Explain what you did, why, what the consequences were, and how it made you feel.
2)Point Out Examples of Responsible Behavior:
Though at times it may seem as if the world is full of people shirking away from their responsibilities, good role models do exist. Keep your eyes open for stories and other examples you can share with your kids.
3)Provide Opportunities for Kids to Demonstrate Responsibility:
Give kids the chance to show that they can take care of things on their own. Go slowly at first, and be sure to scaffold tasks for kids so they can be successful. Set your expectations clearly so kids know exactly what needs to be done.
4)Recognize Efforts:
Your praise will reinforce their behavior and let them know that their efforts are appreciated. Tell kids exactly what you see them doing that exhibits responsibility. “You took the trash out without being asked,” “You got your science project finished ahead of time,” or “You helped your little sister with her homework.” Be sure to use the word “responsible” to connect the word with their actions.
5)Connect Responsibility with Privileges:
Responsibility isn’t all about work and taking care of things. Make sure kids realize that as they grow up, proving they can be responsible translates to more freedoms in the form of privileges and opportunities. Let them know how it works: “Because you showed you were responsible by coming home before curfew three weeks in a row, you can stay at the party an extra hour this Saturday.”
With carefully chosen examples, opportunities for success, and positive reinforcement, kids can learn to exhibit responsible behavior. Even more importantly, they can enjoy the pride and privileges that comes along with it.
You may also be interested in Over scheduled Kids and Teens or Dealing With Teen Drama.