Teaching Responsibility
Every parent is eager to teach responsibility to his children, but very few parents can definitely say what responsibility stands for. It is a common knowledge that a responsible person is someone who is punctual, disciplined and organized. Another question arises: what should parents and teachers do to teach their children and pupils to be responsible.
How to build up responsibility.
The first and the most important rule is that responsibility as well as obedience cannot be imposed on children. It must grow from within. The role of a tutor is quite important. If a child is always told what to do, he may do his tasks very well, but he gets little opportunity to use his own judgement and to develop the sense of responsibility. A tutor should give his pupil opportunities for choosing and deciding things for himself.
Is it necessary to be critical? A child is learning all the time. The process of learning is associated with making mistakes. At least sometimes a child is sure to be in the wrong. How to find the best way to explain a child`s mistakes without severe criticism. If a child is constantly criticized about his actions and decisions he won`t learn responsibility. So, the first lesson in inculcating a sense of responsibility is not to criticize.
The role of a tutor in the process of building up responsibility.
If the answer to a child`s request is a definite “yes”, it`s much better to leave the decision to the child. A qualified tutor can develop his pupil`s sense of responsibility and also heighten his self-confidence. If a tutor asks for his pupuil`s judgements and advice, if a tutor demonstrates how important his pupil`s opinion is, as a result his pupil is gaining a sense of dignity as an individual. He likes to be treated as such. He develops a stronger sense of responsibility. The happiness of a child depends on a degree of love and approval adults give him. To teach a pupil to be responsible, a tutor should be on the child`s side. Being on the side of a child means to give him support and love – not possessive or sentimental love – just behave in such a way that lets a child feel that a tutor approves of him and appreciates him.