Raising Responsible Children

One of the most difficult aspects of raising children is to help instill responsibility without making them feel inadequate.  Responsible students set goals for themselves.  Goals help children focus on what’s important and what’s not.  When children are goal-oriented, they are more likely to say “no” to irresponsible behavior…because they are saying “yes” to their vision of the future.

Children can set goals for completing school work, getting along with others, participating in sports and leisure activities, or anything else that they want to improve.

Parents may teach goal-setting by taking these steps to help your child set goals…and achieve them.

·         At the beginning of the week, help your child identify one goal.  It might be turning in a book report on time or getting 90 percent correct on a spelling test. 

·         Have your child write the goal on a piece of paper.  Put the goal in an obvious place such as posting it on the refrigerator or bulletin board. 

·         Talk about how to accomplish the goal.  Help your child break the goal down into smaller steps.  For example you could say, “You could read two chapters every day.  Then you may spend a day writing your report and another day revising it.”

·         As the week progresses, ask your child how things are going.  If problems arise, talk about possible solutions.  If your child falls behind in reading, for example, a 10-minute extension of bedtime might help him or her catch up.

·         At the end of the week, help your child evaluate how well he did.  Did he achieve his goals?  Why or why not?

As you review your child’s progress in the goal setting process there will be some setbacks along with the successes.  The most important part of the process is to praise your child for trying and then set a new goal for the next week.  If you have questions about how to help your child be successful in school, please contact your child’s teacher or school counselor, Mrs. McBean at CMS or CES at 517.592.2181 or Mrs. Wilcox at CCHS at 517.592.6634.  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District please email me at pam.campbell@myeagles.org or call 517.592.6641.