Today’s children are the foundation of future. And for a strong and steady future, the foundation must be very firm. We all want that our children to grow independent and become a strong and responsible individual. All parents dream of having a responsible kid. Many of them make their dream fruitful. Making their dream come true, requires hard work from parent’s side. It all depends on the upbringing that a parent provides to their child. A healthy and friendly environment at home and discipline are the major factors for a good upbringing of your child. Parents are the first teachers for their child and home is the first school.
1. Start at an early age
Even a small child of 18 months can learn to be responsible, if guided well. They love to help their parents. You can ask them to put their toys and shoes at respective places and they will do it without fail. A little appreciation boosts up their moral and they feel as if they have won some battle. You ask for a clean diaper and see the shine in their eyes, they feel that we trust their ability. These small things help even a little kid to take the first step towards responsibility.
2. Allow them to take their decisions
The statement doesn’t mean that you give a complete freedom to your darling. Rather, encourage her to take small decisions like what color dress she wants to wear for her friend’s birthday party or what she wants to make for her teacher on teacher’s day. For a small kid, it can be like – which bedtime story she wants to listen to. It will help in building up her decision making ability.
3. Develop sharing in them
You must teach them to share their things with others. You can start it when your baby is very small by making her understand that she should share her toys with her siblings and friends. When kids grow up, involve them in community work and volunteer service. Teach them to help friends and family when in need. This will help in building a responsible citizen.
4. Allow little funds
As your child grows up and becomes mature enough that he is aware of monetary matters, give him with some pocket money. Tell him to buy his stationary items from it. He’ll learn how to manage his account and value money. Provide a piggy bank and indulge him in a habit of saving. It’s also a good option to engage him in some part time job during his school vacation. This opportunity will help him know the importance of hard earned money.
5. Obeying rules
Start establishing rules at home right from an early age. Tell him the importance of following rules and the consequences if not followed. Make some rules at home and make sure that all family members including you, follow it strictly like everyone has to be at the dining table at 8:30 in the evening. Establishing rules and making children to obey them, will mold them into a person with rules and ethics.
6. Develop a feeling of concern for others
Having a concern for other’s feeling can be taught when the child is very small. A small kid will very well understand that how it feels when you get hurt. And all pets and living beings also have pain when get hurt. It will help in developing a feeling of empathy in them. Insist them to behave softly and in a friendly manner.
7. Respect, compassion and affection
It is very important to have a feeling of respect for elders, affection for younger ones and compassion for everyone. These are a few important features of a good and responsible person. Train your kids to respect their grandparents and other elders and help them in their work. Helping a disabled person in the market or assisting an old lady in picking up the fallen vegetables or stuff from her bag, are some of the nice gestures that your child can be nurtured with from the very beginning.
8. Narrating moral stories
Children learn a lot by listening to stories or watching any movie or serial on the television. Make it a habit to narrate a story with a good lesson to your kid at bedtime. Guide him all through the story about the importance of being good and a responsible person.
9. Spend time with them
Try to be with your children in their ups and downs and spend as much time as you can with them. It will give a feeling of security and protection to them. They will be able to understand the importance of family and bonding.
10. Setting examples
Parents are the primary teacher for their children. The kid follows his mom or dad, no matter how are they. So, if you want your kid to grow up with a responsible character, always set good examples in front of him. Don’t shout, argue or fight in front of them. Show a positive and loving attitude. He’ll pick up the same characteristics from you and will evolve as a good and responsible human being!
