Raising responsible and productive children can seem like an uphill battle in today’s world. Kids are exposed to technology that provides instant gratification in most areas of their lives. It takes a concerted effort to make kids responsible and productive when it comes to chores, homework, and other responsibilities.
Here are a few ways to make your kids responsible and productive.
Teach Problem-Solving Skills
Children aren’t born knowing how to solve problems. Many kids give up without trying or think there’s only one way to solve a problem. Teach your child that solving a problem can take multiple efforts. Play games that teach your child how to solve problems. Give your child puzzles to solve and play games that encourage creative thinking.
Give your child a task and ask him to come up with at least five ways to solve the problem. For example, ask him how he could move one object from the chair to the table without using his hands. See how many creative solutions he can come up with and discuss the many solutions to the problem.
Assign Chores
Assign chores to your child to help them behave responsibly. Even young children can perform simple tasks, such as putting their dishes in the sink. Older children should be given daily chores and over time, they should require less reminders to get their chores done.
Avoid nagging your child to get their chores done. If you nag your kids, they’re less likely to take responsibility to remember what they have to get done. Instead, provide consequences if they don’t complete their chores on time.
Motivate Your Child with Rewards
Give your child rewards for a job well done. Just like adults receive a pay check for showing up to work and doing their job, kids should earn some sort of reward for doing their jobs as well.
Provide your child with an allowance for completing their chores. Create rules about how much of their money they can spend and how much needs to be saved so you can teach your child to be responsible with money.
Establish a Schedule
Create a schedule that will help your child to be productive. Help your child set aside time to do their school work, finish their chores, and complete their daily tasks.
Teach your child to get their work done before playing. When kids understand that they can have free time to play outside or use their electronics once their work is done, they are much more motivated to be productive.
Set Time Limits on Electronics
Help your child establish healthy habits by setting time limits on electronics. Usually two hours of screen time, including TV, video games, and computer games, is plenty.
Encourage your child to have other interests and activities that don’t involve electronics. Well-rounded kids are likely to participate in sports, clubs, and other activities that keep them too busy to be glued to the TV.
Provide Consequences When Necessary
Provide a consequence when your child doesn’t behave responsibly. When you give them a consequence, it will help them learn from their mistakes.
Sometimes natural consequences are enough to teach your child a lesson. If your child doesn’t get their homework done, receiving a zero might be consequence enough for them. However, sometimes, additional consequences need to be imposed. Consider taking away extra privileges, such as electronics, until your child is able to show that they can behave responsibly again.
Make it clear what they needs to do to get their privileges restored. For example, tell them they can earn their electronics back once they make up the work that they are missing at school. That places the responsibility back on them to get it done.
