Children need to be held responsible for their actions. If this sense of responsibility is instilled to them while they are growing up, this will be good for their future. Do not make the mistake of assuming that the child is too young to understand responsibility. Maybe it is something as trivial as picking up their toys and keeping them away neatly, but once a child made this as his responsibility, he will do it gladly.

Involve them in small chores around the house and be ready with a word of praise when they do it. Keep it simple at first, like laying out the dinner plates. Then add on some more chores, even involving them on taking care of their younger siblings, and notice the pride that they take in while obeying you. The child must always be taught that he is responsible for what he does. Even it has been a minor squabble at the sand pit in the park, the child must be made aware that he has not behaved properly with his friend and needs to apologize. One way of doing this is to ask the child to imagine, that same action done to him and whether he would like that. Insist that he learn to share his toys with others if he wants them to do the same for him.

When you assign responsibilities ensure that your instructions are very clear and predictable. Make a list of all the things that you want for each of your children to do, and make sure that you are appreciative to them when they do it, not forgetting to reprimand them if they fail in their duties. Do not try to bribe a child to do something, by offering him a new toy or lunch at McDonalds if he does it. Bribing does not encourage responsible behavior. On the contrary the child may get used to demanding things for every action and this is definitely the wrong thing to teach him while he grows up.

If you have allotted a specific task to your child, be sure that he fully understands the reasons for what he is doing, and the right way of doing it. They will know that if they follow the guidance that they have been given, they will easily get the job done and earn your admiration. If the job is beyond their immediate capabilities, teach them by an actual demonstration on how you want the things to be done, and stay with them for the next few repetitions till they get the hang of it. Do not be too critical if they make mistakes and help them to correct it when they do.

Let the children know very clearly what could be the consequence for them on not taking their responsibilities. It may be something as simple as no TV, or docking their pocket money. But if they are aware of the results of neglecting their responsibilities, they will take it into consideration. If they do transgress in spite of this, make sure that the penalty that was decided is imposed without fail.

A responsible child is a credit to you and a good indicator of their future. Today’s society is very intolerant of people who are irresponsible, and if the children grew up to be not responsible for their actions, they may find society quite intolerant of them in the future. Take every opportunity to instill the sense of responsibility in your child. You are making his future brighter.