Responsibility is that value that makes people commit and carry out logical behavior, based on awareness of obligations and duties and, furthermore, the possible consequences when these are neglected. It is something fundamental for personal, academic and professional life, so it is important to work on it from an early age. Parents can instill a sense of responsibility in their children through different ways, such as teaching children to do their homework alone. And, also, making them participate in household chores.
Parents transmit the importance of being responsible to their children through their own actions, being a good example. But this formula of assigning them small tasks is also very beneficial, according to psychologist José Angel Alda. Although they will be simple at first, little by little, as the child grows, they will be entrusted with tasks of greater complexity. But it is necessary that these always adapt to the age of the minor.
The best strategy is to introduce children to participating in household chores as if it were a game. Between two and three years old, they can be involved in collecting and organizing their own toys, something that will make them feel more autonomous. They can also help make your bed. These would be the first household chores in which children should be involved.
Later, between four and five years old, when they are a little more independent, it will be time to give them some more complex responsibilities, always under supervision. For example, helping to set and clear the table, helping with shopping, and eating and dressing alone.
On the other hand, in the stage from six to seven years old, supervision will be progressively relaxed and they will be given more tasks. From setting and removing the table to keeping their room tidy, preparing the clothes they will wear the next day, setting and removing the table and the dishwasher and, little by little, showering alone.
At the ages of eight and nine there is a jump, since parental supervision is not required as when they were minors. They are much more independent, so they can shower alone, do their coat, brush their teeth, and take care of household chores like taking out the trash or vacuuming.
By the time they turn ten, children should already take care of their housework as a habit, that is, without needing to be reminded. They must have already gotten used to their room being tidy and clean, always making the bed, and being able to carry out other tasks, such as running errands, taking out the trash, hanging clothes, or taking care of their little siblings.
