Responsible children become responsible adults and generally are more productive and content in their life. Responsibility doesn’t just happen to jump into children, though. It is a character trait that has to be taught and learned, beginning at home. The following are some ideas for ways that parents can begin teaching children to be responsible people.

Give them a pet.

Pets are a great way to teach responsibility. It is advisable, of course, that you wait until your child is old enough to fully understand the time and energy that goes into caring for a pet before you give them one. Borrow books from the library on pet care and do some research together before you decide on a pet for your child.

Give them chores.

Children as young as two or three can begin learning responsibility by helping out with household chores at home. Kids love to help mom and dad. It makes them feel “big” when they help out at home. Create a chart and delegate some of your daily chores to your children. Give them fun rewards for completing their jobs to make it more fun for them.

Help them set personal goals.

Children need something to work towards. For kids, it’s often a new video game or movie that will help give them the incentive they need to get busy helping out at home. Go deeper than this, though. Sit down with your children and talk about their future. Help them set some personal goals for themselves. Include school, community, and home in their goals.