Does it seem like kids/teens are getting more privileges and less responsibility these days?! It's not uncommon for young people to have new cars, smart phones (even for tweens and younger), expensive electronics, $400 prom dresses, and unlimited gas money etc., yet not be expected to make their bed, get a job or take out the trash.
There are many well meaning parents who want to give their kids a good life and possibly a better life than they had growing up, but could they actually be doing more harm than good sometimes?!
There is no perfect formula for how much responsibility and privilege a young person needs to become balanced and responsible. Each family is different in how each person is expected to contribute to the home and surrounding community. Responsibility, however, is an essential part of becoming a mature adult.
Below are a few ideas that may be helpful in building responsibility in teens and even in younger children.
:: Assign age appropriate chores within the home (with or without
allowence).
:: [For teens] summer work outside the home - mow lawns, babysit,
clean pools, paper route, life guard at a local pool, etc.
:: Open a bank account and teach them how to manage their money.
:: Have them open a library account and allow them to be responsible
for returning books, DVDs and CDs on time and/or pay the fines
themselves.
:: Teach them a new life skill - laundry, changing a tire, cooking a
meal, balancing a budget/checkbook, changing the oil, etc.
We have to be careful, as parents, in our attempts to give our kids a good life, that we don't raise entitled, irresponsible or possibly lazy adults. Let's not deny them opportunities to become responsible, mature and confident contributors to society.
Parents/guardians, what do think? You are in the trenches everyday with the very people we are talking about. We would love to hear your input.
What are some ways that the tweens and teens in your family are learning responsibility? How do they contribute to the home and community?
No comments:
Post a Comment