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It’s the dream of every parent to raise kids who are not only desirable but also responsible. However, most parents will leave the responsibility of shaping a child’s future into the hands of a teacher. But one thing to notice is that teachers have responsibilities too; they have a career to maintain, their own families, and a life to lead outside the classroom. This will, therefore, mean that your kid will be better positioned in your arms, to learn all that there is about life and beyond life.
Every parent dreams that their kids grow up and become respected citizens. Unfortunately, life happens and it’s the reason why there are so many prisoners around the world. This however does not mean that there are parents who sucked at being parents. Nope! On the contrary, it just proves that there are kids who make the wrong decisions in life and end up in places where their parents would have never chosen for them. So how do you teach your kids to grow up and become respected members of the society? In this piece, we’ll provide you with tips on how to make a responsible citizen out of your child.
1. Become the Role Model
Your kids are always looking up to you for support, guidance, and a good upbringing. This means that there are so many things your children will learn from you and if you steer them in the right direction, they’ll grow up to be the adults you’ve always wanted them to be. One thing to note is that so many problems caused by teens are not out of their own volition but as a result of what they learn from you, their peers, or from social media. Unlike in the past years, the influence of social media cannot be denied. You’ll, therefore, need to be keen on what your kids are watching on TV, the groups they’ve subscribed to on their phones, and the interactions they have with their peers. Most importantly, it’s for you to step up and become the person they can emulate. If your kids will see responsibility in you, that’s what they’ll want to become. Whatever they’ll see in you, they’ll take it as acceptable behavior in society. So, be mindful of your actions, your words, and behaviors anytime you’re in front of your kids. This, with the goal of raising responsible citizens out of your children.
2. Set Realistic Expectations and Goals
You’ll not only want to set realistic expectations but you’ll need to be consistent and clear while at it. One thing to note with kids is that they’ll at some point want to test your limits. This means that if they do this, they need to be met with a consistent tone that will remind them that there is an authority. Of course, with a loving tone! This way, they can learn earlier that actions have consequences. It’s also up to you to keep reminding your kids of what you expect from them from an early age. As they grow, this will be chiseled in their minds and they’ll not want to disappoint you in this area.
3. Provide Your Kids with an Opportunity to Do Good
Raising children should not be confined to the four walls of your living spaces. They need to start contributing to society at a tender age. This is the ultimate way to make responsible citizens out of young adults. The first thing you’ll need to ensure is that your kids are responsible at home, taking care of their cleanliness and other responsibilities. Secondly, develop in them a sense of responsibility outside your home by attending various developmental workshops in your community, visiting homes, adopting animals, and taking part in communal activities. Responsibility is not a character that will develop overnight in your kids but with practice, you’ll mold them into characters fit to be appreciated by the community.
4. Think Twice Before Bailing Your Kid Out Of a Situation
As a parent, you’ll, of course, be inclined to defend your kid in whatever the situation. As they say, blood is thicker than water. However, this does not mean that you defend your child even when there are reasonable doubts. At an early age, they need to learn to solve their own problems. This, they can learn by being apologetic for any wrongs committed, being mindful of their words and feelings, and accepting that actions have consequences.
Before you become dictatorial in your parenting, you need to ensure that your orders are appreciated and are not a burden to your kids. This, while at the same time maintaining authority with a joyful tone. It’s not easy but it’s crucial to bringing up responsible citizens out of your children.
