September Newsletter

This is a crucial trait for children to develop in order to be functional, successful, and stable adults. These lessons cover responsibility in thoughts (realizing that you are, to a degree, in charge of your emotions and perception of the world) and actions. The former must be built internally; the latter can be built with external assistance.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
• Give children age-appropriate tasks that help the whole family. It will be easier for them to see a clear benefit when they are not the only one depending on it (for example, if your child does not care if they have a messy room, they may not see why keeping it clean is a worthwhile responsibility). Instead, let them be in charge of keeping a shared area clean, remembering to feed the dog, watering a household plant, etc. (Of course, you can still insist that they clean their room!)

• Remember that “Because I said so” isn’t a compelling reason for why your children must do/not do something. Explain the consequences or outcomes that make doing something necessary.

• As much as possible, allow them to make their own choices.

• Allow them to fail. Shielding them from all negative repercussions of their behavior/actions will stunt the development of their responsibility.