We all want our children to grow into responsible individuals. But when it comes to inculcating and growing responsible behavior among children, there is a general notion that prevails, i.e., kids are just too immature to take up responsibilities; Let them grow up a bit to take up the burden of responsibilities on their shoulders. However, the truth remains that the best time to inculcate responsible behavior in children is at a young age when their minds remain the most porous and impressionable.
But how to begin on the right path when it comes to teaching responsibility to children? Well, the first step lies in looking at responsibility as a crucial life skill and not a burden. And when you do that, you will find that our everyday life is full of several such scenarios that can indeed serve as excellent opportunities to reinforce responsible behavior in kids. All we need to do is to be watchful of such opportunities and make the most of them when we see them. So, on that note, we, at DPS Sushant Lok, ranked among the Top 10 Schools in Gurgaon, would like to share with you all today a few insights in this regard, which will surely come to your aid.
Encourage them to help clean their messes
Begin by helping children learn and let go after they learn it. They find it easier to learn when you remain kind and cheerful about the teachings instead of getting too nitpicky. For instance, if the kid spills milk, encourage him/her to help by handing over a sponge to your child as you pick one up yourself, even when it is ten times easier to do it yourself.
The same thing applies about preschoolers putting away their toys or children not leaving their shoes scattered in the path. It is always better to let them pick it all up and put it away, and this habit needs to be developed early on.
The behaviors that are acknowledged are the ones that grow
The easiest way to encourage good behavior in children is to acknowledge the positive traits that they showcase. So, when you see your little one putting away the toys on his/her own or keeping the room clean without even being asked for it, be appreciative of the good work the child has done.
Always let the kids do it themselves, even if it’s more work for you
Your kids will not clean the table as neatly as you do or fold those clothes with as much perfection, so it will almost always be more work for you. But when you support them in doing all of that, they will step into that responsibility without complaining about it.
We, at DPS Sushant Lok, believe that the key to reinforcing responsible behavior among children is to not rush through the list of responsibilities they can and should take up. After all, you’re working with the kids to help them discover the satisfaction of contribution. That’s more important than having the job done quickly or perfectly. In the process, you will also be bonding a lot with your little one, which further motivates the kids to keep contributing.
Offer structure and routine to the young ones and let them decide
Structure and routines are important in children’s lives for more reasons than one. However, the most important reason is that it gives them repeated opportunities to manage themselves through a series of tasks. Start by helping them master their bedtime routine, cleaning up their toys, and getting ready in the morning. Afterward, let them develop successful grooming habits and study habits. Lastly, let them learn the basic life skills through consistent repetition of regular household routines like setting the table, folding the washed clothes, or tidying up the study table.
And in all these tasks and more, let them make a few decisions about what they need to do and how. For instance, if they are getting ready for school, ask them, “what is the next thing you need to do?” instead of simply telling them to pack their lunch.
We, at DPS Sushant Lok, positioned among the top 10 schools in Gurgaon, have always firmly believed that the true holistic development of an individual could be said to be complete only when he/she showcases responsible behavior on not only personal and professional level but also as a citizen. And when the aim is to see the best results in this regard, the work towards it should ideally begin early on in life. We hope the discussion in this article today has given you some direction in that regard.