All parents want their children to grow into responsible people, but that can mean something different to everyone. This term brings to mind aspects, such as:
- Being dependable.
- Doing your best.
- Being accountable.
- Acknowledging your mistakes.
- Contributing to the team.
Traits like this are key to your child’s success at home, in school, and out in the wider world.
- They set goals. Goals keep us focussed on the future. That’s why they are the foundation of responsible behaviour and success in school.
As a parent, help your child set goals! Goals help students focus on what is important and what is not. When they have a vision of where they are going and where they want to go, they are more likely to get there. Students find it easier to say “no” to the wrong types of behaviour when they have dedicated goals as they are saying “yes” to a vision of their future self. - They plan their time. Use a large calendar to help your child how to organise their time. Collate all their commitments and write them down on the calendar, for example leaving time during the day for homework, sports or a creative activity. Remember the saying, “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail”.
- They study everyday. Learning a subject is like building a brick wall. It is done steadily and with one step (or brick) at a time. Responsible students set aside time for homework and studying every day. On the days when the teacher may not assign homework, students will assign themselves. Perhaps they review vocabulary or notes made in the classroom.
- They take notes in class. Most A grade students have this in common: they take notes in class. They have learned that teachers always tend to spell out what they think is important – what they think will be on exams!
- They have the tools they need. A builder would not go to work without their tools. Therefore students need to go to school fully prepared with pens, pencils, paper and all the other tools they need to be successful.
- They keep their commitments. Responsible people honour their commitments to each other and to themselves. They succeed in school by doing their assignments to the best of their ability and on time!
Parents can teach commitment by example. Talking with their children about the commitments you have made with the family – for example – to provide meals, to keep clothes clean, to care for anyone who is sick. Ask children to make a list of their commitments to the home. - They get ready ahead of time. Some students start out every morning in ‘crisis mode’. Responsible students have learned that being late or, in fact being early, is not something that simply happens… it is a choice that they make.
Teach your child to take 5 or 10 minutes before bedtime to get ready for the following day. For example; pack the backpack, layout clothes or locate a PE kit. Children will soon see that this few minutes will make a big difference in the morning and help him/her to get ready to learn.
