Children are too young to handle complex tasks independently, although they are happy to help you out at home or do the shopping. At the same time, your child is becoming more independent, and he probably likes to make decisions on his own. You can support this by assigning tasks that you know you can complete. As a result, they will know they can help take care of themselves and the world around them and prepare them for greater responsibilities later in childhood.

As a mom or a dad, you would be concerned for your child. While you do want them to take more and improve responsibility, you also do not want them to hurt themselves just cause you pushed them to do something.

Well, you got to try. Check if the following ways may be helpful for you and your child.

Reward system

Yes, we cannot impress enough on positive parenting. You need to be the safe haven for your child as opposed to someone whom the child dreads. Establishing a reward system help encourage the child to take up responsibility and ensure that it is duly taken care of. You do not even have to promise them pocket money or anything. Maybe just an ice cream after lunch or a small present or letting them watch their favorite show for 30 more minutes can do. Still, once they actually see this happening, they would be eager to take up more responsibilities and fulfill those provided that now they are guided by incentives.

Teaching them to work first and then play

Even when your child has a short attention span, you can start teaching him how to get rid of homework before he relaxes or enjoys himself.

Be friendly and admit that you like entertainment too. Show him that you are not bullying; you just expect him to behave responsibly, just like you. An excellent way to explain this idea to your child is to use the “when n then” rule. For example, you might say, “When we clean the table, then we can play dice.” It is more important to use the “when” word rather than “if.” This is because “if” means you just have to clear the table “if” you want to play dice. But “when” states that the table must be cleared at some point, it doesn’t matter what, and playing games is just a bonus.

These are small changes that you can make in addressing your child, and you will see a huge difference in their sense of responsibility. You can even take the help of online parenting blogs like Dadistry to help you along.

Make the chores enjoyable for them

We enjoy our tasks best when they are fun and friendly. Your baby would love spending time with you; though emptying the dryer may not be considered a job, it’s fun to pull warm, fluffy clothes and put them in the basket! If you clean the toys, have a friendly competition with your little one to see who can cater to more toys amongst both of you. You can even cook with them or make some refreshing drinks and ask them to help; teach them how a few things in the kitchen area to be handled with care and always clean after using the kitchen. This will also explain to them (indirectly) to be responsible for the cleanliness of their surroundings and prepare them to take up more responsibility.

Hold them accountable

We would tell you the golden rule to bringing about something. It is to start small. You cannot expect the child to learn to be responsible overnight, but over time, yes, that is what you should expect. If they leave the lights switched on in a room, tell them to go back and switch them off. You do not have to scold them. Tell them how electricity conservation is important. Do not let them leave the food half-eaten. Tell them about how many kids survive on less than three meals a day. Tell them how scarce food is. Instill a sense of responsibility and accountability in them without the use of threats or punishments.

This should not end here. Once you see them actually following what you taught them, reward and acknowledge them. You can even celebrate a few of those.

A Mini Guide

You need to start with making smaller changes in your child’s daily routine. If you haven’t done the following, you may want to do them now.

1.     Start by asking them to wake up with an alarm on a weekend
2.     Teach them to tie their shoelaces
3.     Establishing family rules for, e.g., asking before one even kisses their own siblings (these go without rewards, however)
4.     Praise them when they start making efforts
5.     Get them their first wristwatch to help them track time
6.     Give them a weekly plan with tasks to accomplish
7.     Be a role model for them

You have got this!

Be realistic

We cannot impress on this enough. Rome was not built in a day, and it involved adults. We are dealing with children here, and you need to exercise immense patience. Your kid won’t always put shoes behind the front door or put toys back in the box. If that’s not right, he tries not to be impatient. Just remind him, “Remember, put the trucks away when you’re done.” If he is tired, for example, after a day in kindergarten, give him a little more help. He probably spent the whole day following the rules, and now he wants to get some rest when he’s home. Finally, whenever your child tries to act responsibly, give him a lot of praise and attention even if he fails. This shows your child that their efforts are important and appreciated.

Bottom Line

Let your child know that he has to follow certain rules, but positively explain them without threats or any kind of ultimatum. Show your child how responsible he is by taking care of your things and your space. He sets the car keys on the hook where they belong, instead of on the table, and picks up the clothes off the bedroom floor. He explains why you are also doing this to let your child know why it is important to be responsible.

Author Bio

Evie Harrison is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs