Teaching responsibility

WE’RE in the third week of Child Month 2022, where we continue to observe the theme, “Listen Up, Children’s Voices Matter”. How can we as parents teach children responsibility?

Research has shown that children who are more responsible are those who will complete assignments, are more respectful and can function more effectively in the school environment. Teaching your child responsibility should start from an early age. This will ensure that he/she becomes a more productive citizen and better student.

Here are some tips from the Ministry of Education and Youth.

• Give your child chores to do. This will teach them responsibility and independence.

• Give children animals and plants to care for. This will prepare them for their roles as parents and teach them responsibility.

• Teach your children how to care for the environment by ensuring that they place garbage in bins and plant flowers and trees.

• Depending on your child’s age, teach them to help their younger siblings with simple tasks such as getting them dressed.

• Teach them to accept responsibility for their improper behaviour and explain to them why they are being punished for it.

• Teach the child how to care for their school bag and books.

• Teach your child how to be kind to other children.

• Teach your child proper manners, honesty and how to be respectful to everyone.

• Teach your child the value of friendship and what qualities they should look for in friends.

• Do not allow your child to take gifts, food or rides from strangers.

• Teach your child how to cross the street and other road safety rules.

• Teach the child how to protect him/herself in the event of a disaster and how to use the telephone to make emergency calls. Make sure they know all emergency numbers.

• Teach your child how to love themselves, their race/colour and culture.

• Teach your child to care for his/her body by encouraging him/her to practice proper hygiene and nutrition.

• Make sure that the child completes their tasks/assignments including homework and school projects.