Of course, it’s a given.
Children must be taught to be accountable and responsible for their actions.
So, what’s in it for us, the parents and teachers and caregivers?
After the years of effort trying to teach them to be responsible, are there any benefits in store, for them and us?
“Responsibility is accepting that YOU are the cause and the solution of the matter.”
- Strengthened Relationships:
As children learn to fulfil their commitments and respect the needs and boundaries of others, they learn to hold themselves accountable. This develops trust and reliability in their interpersonal relationships.
- Enhanced Self-Discipline:
By learning to take ownership of their actions, children develop self-discipline and self-control. This enables them to resist impulsive behaviours and stay focused on long-term objectives, including excelling academically.
- Improved Decision-Making Skills:
By understanding the consequences of their actions, children learn to make well thought-out decisions that align with their values and goals, boosting their autonomy and self-reliance.
- Increased Resilience:
Making mistakes teaches children to take responsibility for their mistakes. This in turn teaches children resilience. They learn to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, persevere through adversity, and become mentally strong.
- Heightened Empathy:
Once children understand the impact of their actions on others, it encourages them to empathize with different perspectives, consider the feelings and needs of those around them. This develops compassion and social awareness.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills:
As they feel accountable for their actions, children begin to approach challenges proactively. They seek creative solutions and learn from past experiences to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
- Greater Independence:
By taking responsibility for their actions, children feel empowered to take initiative and speak for themselves, building their confidence and independence as they go through life.
- Enhanced Leadership Abilities:
Accountability equips children with the skills and confidence to lead by example, and inspiring others to do the same, as it cultivates leadership qualities such as integrity, honesty, and accountability.
- Preparation for Adulthood:
Teaching children about accountability and responsibility prepares them for adulthood by equipping them with essential life skills that are fundamental for success in various personal, academic, and professional endeavours.
Being accountable or taking responsibility is more than just accepting their contribution. It’s about not looking for an excuse to pin the blame on others when something goes wrong. Or not following the rules because it doesn’t suit them. Or justifying their behaviour as what’s acceptable. In short, wanting everything to be as per their terms.
“Blame is the coward’s solution to his fear of accountability.”
- Craig D. Lounsbrough
By indulging them as children, you’re encouraging this mindset which can prove harmful in the later years.
Focusing on accepting responsibility and feeling accountable, you’re ensuring they learn to take their tasks seriously, put in their best and work efficiently.
An important announcement – My latest book “Cooking Up Stories with Little Chefs” has been released. It’s a compilation of short stories for the young readers along with a section dedicated to easy to make recipes which the children can try making themselves.
A perfect book to keep them busy during the hot summer days. It’s available online so don’t hesitate to click on the link to get your copy.
Get ready for a magical journey of stories and recipes! The stories will ignite their imagination and get them excited to read. They will learn about the important values like kindness, sharing, caring and friendship. Children learn better when they read themselves.
And when their hunger for more takes over, flip the pages to the second section of the book and let them decide what they want to make by themselves and eat. Yes, the second section of the book has a collection of appetising favourites children can never say no to. Of course they’ll need your help but by allowing them to engage, you’re unleashing their creativity, keeping them busy and teaching them to be self-sufficient. Now sit back and let the adventure begin!
Grab your copy now! A great idea for a gift also!!
