From the desk of Chris Wallace, Elementary Principal...

 

Build Responsibility

Encourage responsibility at home 

Kids who learn to be responsible do better in school.  They get along better with teachers and peers.  They make better decisions.  They’re more apt to try, follow through and succeed.  To teach your child responsibility:

·        Practice what you preach.  Be a role model for your child.  If you want him to speak respectfully, for instance, talk to him with respect, too.

·        Discuss consequences.  Ask questions like, “How do you think John felt when you said that?”  “When someone insults you, how do you feel?”

·        Enforce key rules.  Be clear about what will happen when your child does certain things.  Then follow through.

·        Learn from the past.  For example, “Remember when Sally pushed you?  We talked about walking away.  Later, you told her how you felt.”  Allow freedom.  Let your child take minor risks as you guide his experiences and ensure his safety.

• Develop understanding.  Pose questions that help your child think.  “What did you do?” “Why do you think that happened?”  :Are you happy with your decision?”

Source: Beth Tucker, “Building Responsibility:  How do I teach my children to be more responsible?”  Cooperative Extension, University of Arizona.

Chris Wallace
100 S. Summit     
Pearl City, Illinois 61062       
Phone - 815-443-2715   
Fax - 815-443-2237

Copyright © 2010 Pearl City C.U.S.D. #200