Growing up isn’t easy, your little one has so much to learn and as a parent you can help them along the way. Teaching your child how to be responsible will help them to understand that there are some things in life that need to be done.
A Few Simple Chores Go a Long Way
Accountability is a great skill for your child to learn and although you don’t need to issue them with a long list of jobs a few simple chores will help them to get to grips with a bit of responsibility. Get them to unpack school bags and hang coats when they come in from school. They can help you attach name labels to uniform and school items (find them here: www.stuckonyou.uk) – this is a great way to illustrate the need for looking after their personal possessions. You could make things a little more interesting by using a reward chart or pocket money as an incentive to motivate them.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
It’s hard to hand the reigns over to your child and let them start making decisions on their own. They won’t be able to choose everything for themselves but let them make some choices– this will help them to gain independence.
Encourage Your Child to Give a Helping Hand
Your child needs to understand that others around them may need help too, such as a sibling or their friends. Encourage your child to help their little sister to build a tower from bricks, or help their little brother to find and put on his shoes by looking at the name labels.
Show Your Child the Way
Never be tempted to say “Do as I say and not as I do.” Children learn best when they observe and will often mimic what parents do. If you want them to tidy their bedroom and make their bed in the morning lead the way by making your own bed and tidying your own room. When your little one does show signs of being responsible make sure you commend their efforts. They might even start to do things without being asked, if they do offer more praise, you want to encourage them to do more of the same.
Have a Grown-Up Chat
As your child gets older you will be able to talk to them more, you can explain the importance of helping out, looking out for others, and taking care of their things. They will have certain responsibilities at home and others at school. Talk about the different things that are expected or that you would like them to do. For instance, at home you could ask them to get involved in brushing your pet dog and filling up his water bowl. You could also discuss the need to practice their spellings for a school test, work hard at school and make sure they don’t lose their PE Kit after games! You can help them to facilitate these things – have a set time to practice spellings and make sure their P.E Kit and uniform has name labels attached.
