Chores and Activities Teach Responsibilities
Posted by Tiziana on October 14, 2010Teaching children responsibility is certainly no easy task...I am 2 years into parenting and already feel so inadequate that I had to start taking classes on it. After taking a six weeklong Love & Logic workshop, feel that I am barely scratching the surface. Parenting is generally an on the job training sort of thing, but having some formal training certainly can't hurt.
For the longest time, I feared the idea of major commitment, you know things that every girl dreams about: purchasing of home, marriage and especially having children. I discovered that it all boiled down to the fear of responsibilities. I loved living out of a suitcase as a consultant… my responsibilities were clearly defined and exactly where I wanted them to be - in front of me.
Knowing this, how on earth am I going to teach my child responsibility?
I recently heard an interview on NPR related to research findings of high stress level for first year college kids. The research found that the students were ill prepared and lacked exposure to real life responsibilities & consequences. Funny how the universe was nudging me to pay attention.
With that said - I am on a mission to teach my little girl about responsibilities. Small chores such as setting the table, watering plants, and picking up her toys are a good way to build self-confidence and responsibility according to some of the articles I’ve come across.
Last night I started by giving her napkins, forks and spoons to help me set the table. It was fascinating to watch the items placed on the table, moved, sorted and organized over and over for a good 15 minutes. All this while I was frenetically prepping dinner.
Next task?? Cant’ seem to think fast enough these days....…...must check out a copy of “Your child at play”.
Play activities are also a good way to start teaching responsibilities, and got the idea of making a Pasta Necklaces. I am off to buy some Rigatoni (tubular-shaped pasta), thread yarn, old shoelaces, and food coloring/dye.
I should be set for an evening of entertainment!
Ta-ta for now.. Tiziana
Helpful Resources/Articles:
- The responsible Child: How to Teach Responsibilities
- Children and Chores
- Routines, Tasks and Chores Teach Independence and Responsibilty
