When is your child ready to take on any responsibility? When is she old enough to have a particular task?
Responsibility is a good virtue to pass onto our children. It is something that they could learn not just in theory but also in practice. We cannot always just speak with them about do’s and don’ts without letting them do what they are supposed to do and avoid what they should not be doing.
But why should you teach them responsibility?
1. Responsibility is a virtue.
As a virtue, responsibility will give your child a foundation for dealing with other people and her environment. It will allow her to understand that the world does not revolve around her but that she must contribute something to make the world, or even just your house, a better place.
2. Responsibility secures their future.
If you are deeply concerned about the career path of your child in the future, then better instill responsibility early on. Although responsibility in itself won’t directly offer a response to what your child should be taking as a college course or what job to pursue, it will give her a definite advantage to secure a bright and wonderful future.
Once your child learns about responsibility, there is no need to nag her about finishing her homework. Once she understands that the world does not revolve around her, she will be more considerate of other people in the workplace. Once she becomes responsible, she can stand independently and traverse the road to success.
3. Responsibility corrects unwanted behavior.
Learning about responsibility in theory and practice can cause a fascinating transformation in the attitude of your child.
I know how tempting it is to give her all the comfort in life and to shield her from all harm. But at some point in child’s life, difficulties and challenges will be inevitable. A well-grounded child could have a better chance for survival than a spoiled child in the real world.
How do you know if your child is ready for responsibilities?
There is no definite timetable for teaching responsibilities. Even babies can make a sense out of this world simply by observing.
If you want to teach your toddler about responsibility, then show her what it means. It is by seeing your daily behavior that she can learn most.
Here are some of the daily household chores that your toddler can do according to her age:
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Putting Toys Away
Scattered toys are almost always a problem for most parents. Why don’t you solve this problem by making it as a fun activity?
Have a nursery rhyme for packing away the toys. Replace the lyrics with words that mean what you want to happen. You will be surprised how organized your house can be once your toddler learns about this skill.
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Putting Clothes in the Hamper
Folding clothes and dropping them in a hanger can also take up much of your time. Instead of whining over your pile of clothes, get the help from your toddler by asking her to put some of the clothes in the hanger. She would surely love this task!
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Wiping Dirt from Her Face
The responsibility to oneself is a critical value that a person must learn. Hygiene can easily be taught once your child reaches the toddler stage.
One simple task that you can give your toddler is wiping her face during meal times. Let her know that dirt must not stay on her face.
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Piling Up Books
Do you love reading to your child? Then give your toddler the responsibility to keep the books orderly. It could also develop her motor skills, actually!
Teaching responsibility to your toddler is super fun. Just be creative in your ways and you are surely on your way to having a truly responsible child with a great chance for success in the future!
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