by Leeanna Haugen

Created on: March 24, 2009   Last Updated: March 25, 2009

When we think about our responsibility we usually refer to the things that we wish we didn't have to be responsible for. However, if you think a little further you will find on a daily basis we carry out hundreds of responsibilities. We wake up each morning to are alarm clock, we let the dog outside to go to the bathroom, we take the garbage out, and even personal hygiene is our responsibility. So, to teach your child responsibility, start small. Listed below are some responsibilities that you can pass on to your child easily without them knowing they are learning. Following the list I will give a few tips on approaching your toddler in a way that will optimize your child's reception to taking on these tasks. Finally, I will offer some advice on how you can adjust your attitude to encourage you child.

1. Picking out their clothes for the next day

2. Waking themselves up to an alarm in the morning

3. Washing their hands before meals

4. Putting toys away after use

5. Taking shoes off at the door and putting them away

6. Hanging their coats up in a designated place

7. Putting their dirty dishes on the counter for cleaning after they are finished eating

8. Cleaning up any spills they make throughout the day

9. Putting their dirty clothes in the hamper after disrobing

10. Making their bed upon waking

Instead of approaching your child and announcing a list of things they will now be responsible for, start by asking your child to do the smaller things as they need to be done. For example, when your child spills milk on the table ask them to get a paper towel and clean up their mess. It is alway nice to add "like a big girl/boy" after the request. Children love anything that will make them resemble a big kid. Eventually, you will form habits. After a while, you can just ask them "Billie, what do we do when we make a mess?" These little steps go a long way in teaching your child to be responsible for themselves. We cannot take on responsibility for anything else until we learn to be responsible for ourselves.

If you approach the task of responsibility negatively, your child will follow. Be enthusiastic about contributing to the family. Show your child that you gladly take on your responsibilities. Leading by example is always a good tip. How can you expect Billie to clean up his mess if you let your messes sit where they are? Let your child see you do the same things you are asking them to do. Maybe you can think of ways that you can be more responsible as well. Teaching our children can be a learning experience for us as well.

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