Downloadable Resources to Build Responsibility
How to Use the Resources to Teach Responsibility
For a fun and structured way to build character in your kids all year long, download the calendar and stickers.
Each calendar month focuses on a unique character trait. And each character trait has a unique printable teaching resource to help you build character in your child. You can download it below.
The resource includes:
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- definition card – to build an understanding of responsibility.
- verse card – to memorize why responsibility is important.
- question/challenge – to discuss or practice responsibility.
- character certificate – to recognize monthly progress in acquiring responsibility.
- reward coupon – to have fun and show your child how proud you are of them!
Use some or all of the resources to build responsibility in your child all month. You can also use the printable sticker sheet to cut out and place stickers on dates you see your child showing the trait you’re working on that month. You just need one 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of sticker paper.
Responsibility is just one of the 12 character traits we want to help you build in your kids. Here are more.
Why Responsibility Is Important for Kids
Imagine taking your son to his first little league baseball game. He could barely sleep the night before, and even wore his uniform to bed. He has been waiting weeks for this moment and wanted to play well. Now, on the drive to the park, with his cleats tied and hat fitted just right, he was a bundle of nerves and excitement.
The first inning arrives, and he grabs his glove and takes the field. A few pitches later, the ball is smacked to the shortstop, who scoops it up, aims, fires – and watches the ball roll to the outfield because your son wasn’t covering first base. The batter circles the bases and scores for the other team. Angry stares rain down on your boy.
Your son’s teammates would be justified in feeling irritated since he failed to do what he had been coached to do—cover the base and catch the ball. His irresponsibility cost the team a run. That decision made others around him disappointed, and it could have been avoided by simply doing his job.
Responsibility means doing what needs to be done without being reminded. It is something we must teach our children from an early age. In the grand scheme of life, a blown little league baseball assignment is no big deal. But, when children get older, patterns of unchecked irresponsibility could manifest in dangerous ways.
If we can’t expect our kids to do the little things correctly, how can we ever trust them with car keys, on dates, or away at college? Showing responsibility tells others you can handle difficult tasks. Teaching responsibility is one of the most important lessons for parents to work on with their children.
How to Teach Responsibility to Kids
Remind children that others are counting on them.
This doesn’t apply just in the context of a sports team. This matters in the classroom, at a part-time job, and within the home around family. Doing your part matters.
Give your children opportunities to show they are responsible.
Slowly increase their workload. When they’re little, ask them to put away forks and spoons after the dishwasher has cleaned them. When they’re older, give them the task of emptying the entire dishwasher. Baby steps build responsibility in stages.
Practice responsibility with money.
If your kids are old enough, open a savings account with them. Pay them a small allowance and ask them to manage their money. This will teach them how to be responsible with a few bucks and not squander it.
Let him stay home alone.
When he’s old enough, let a mature child babysit younger siblings. Go out for a few minutes by yourself to the grocery store, dry cleaners, or somewhere nearby. Leave that child in charge with a way to contact you. This will build confidence in your child. This is a great way to prove his responsibility.
Encourage a part-time job.
If babysitting isn’t something your child wants to do, let her get a part-time job. It doesn’t have to be painstaking. Bagging groceries, walking dogs, or scooping ice cream at the local sweets shop can be a great teacher. It will be her responsibility to show up on time, manage her schedule, and take care of the money earned while working.
Be responsible yourself.
Most importantly, model responsibility for them. When you are asked to be somewhere, show up. When you volunteer for something, don’t back out. Your kids will pick up on the importance of doing what you say you’ll do and will hopefully begin to practice it themselves.
