"Responsibility is often thought of as a fourth "R." We can teach reading, writing and arithmetic here, but much of the responsibility for your child’s education must come from home. Being a responsible student means making the right choices. It means paying attention to the teacher’s directions, it means doing nightly homework, and doing just a little more work than the teacher assigned.
Remember, school is a microcosm of the real world. The reason most schools do not work is that school is just the opposite of what is expected of citizens in the real world. This, therefore, means that a child must practice being above average in school so that they can take what they’ve learned into the real world. This means giving each task in school a real effort, not just doing enough to squeeze by.
Most experts agree that responsibility is learned from parents. Here are some suggestions for using the ‘example’ and ‘practice’ method that will allow you, the parent, to teach your child responsibility.
Let your child help you with household chores. As you work together, be clear about the purpose of each task. Praise your child for the good efforts and positively point out the negatives by saying, ‘I think you can do this better, don’t you?’ Explain that if you do not polish the furniture that the wood will crack and dry out. This allows the child to lean that most things we do have a cause and effect. Thus the child comes to learn that some actions have consequences attached to them.
Point out to your child that you, the parent, work when there are other things you would rather do. Show a child how to do a task correctly, and be patient as your child learns.
Teach your child organization. Make certain that each night, at the completion of the day’s homework, all materials are put away and ready for the next day of school. This means getting shoes and other personal items together and all in one place so that the next morning will not be filled with the frustration of: ‘You are going to be late."
Teach your child to be time-oriented. Remember, in the real world, the workplace will not tolerate tardiness and excuses. Therefore, teach your child to accept responsibility for his or her actions, and not to make excuses for shortcomings.
Make certain that you discuss the day’s activities with your child on a daily basis. This can be done while eating, driving to school, getting the child dressed or any activity within the home." OCET, pp. 50-51
Remember, school is a microcosm of the real world. The reason most schools do not work is that school is just the opposite of what is expected of citizens in the real world. This, therefore, means that a child must practice being above average in school so that they can take what they’ve learned into the real world. This means giving each task in school a real effort, not just doing enough to squeeze by.
Most experts agree that responsibility is learned from parents. Here are some suggestions for using the ‘example’ and ‘practice’ method that will allow you, the parent, to teach your child responsibility.
Let your child help you with household chores. As you work together, be clear about the purpose of each task. Praise your child for the good efforts and positively point out the negatives by saying, ‘I think you can do this better, don’t you?’ Explain that if you do not polish the furniture that the wood will crack and dry out. This allows the child to lean that most things we do have a cause and effect. Thus the child comes to learn that some actions have consequences attached to them.
Point out to your child that you, the parent, work when there are other things you would rather do. Show a child how to do a task correctly, and be patient as your child learns.
Teach your child organization. Make certain that each night, at the completion of the day’s homework, all materials are put away and ready for the next day of school. This means getting shoes and other personal items together and all in one place so that the next morning will not be filled with the frustration of: ‘You are going to be late."
Teach your child to be time-oriented. Remember, in the real world, the workplace will not tolerate tardiness and excuses. Therefore, teach your child to accept responsibility for his or her actions, and not to make excuses for shortcomings.
Make certain that you discuss the day’s activities with your child on a daily basis. This can be done while eating, driving to school, getting the child dressed or any activity within the home." OCET, pp. 50-51