Responsibility ~ Part 1

January 4, 2009

This month we will be discussing the character trait of responsibility. We, adults and children, need to be responsible for every deed, word, thought, attitude and motive. 

When it comes to teaching our children it is important to clearly define and exhibit what is expected of them, and then have patience to define and exhibit it over and over again.  )  

When our family studied responsibility several years ago I posted this from Character Journal on the refrigerator:

The "I Wills" of Responsibility

• I will keep my promises
• I will not make excuses
• I will do all my work to the best of my ability
• I will make things right when I do wrong
• I will know my duty and do my duty (this one is my favorite and we still say this from time to time)
  

This week we will focus on the responsibility of "deed", our actions.

Whether it is household chores, house rules, school assignments or social graces it is good to post each person's responsibility as a point of reference. Check lists are a good way to keep children on task.  

Over the years we have tried every chore chart there is. What worked best for us was to divide the house into zones, then assign a child for each zone for the month.  This was also posted on the refrigerator, along with a description of what was expected in each zone on a daily , weekly and monthly basis. This way no one could say, "I forgot" or "I didn't know I was suppose to". 

Don't allow children to shirk responsibility. If they can escape it once they'll knock themselves out trying to do it again. This is such a key character trait for them to learn to become productive adults. The younger they know their duty and do their duty, the smoother their life will be! And it is our responsibility to teach it…over and over and over…

If you want children to keep their feet on the ground,

put some responsibility on their shoulders. 

~A. Van Buren

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