Developing Responsibility in Children

I'm cleaning out more pieces of paper. This one was in my teaching files, but it seems to be much more of a parenting tool to me! Ugh - I started with he/she, him/her, etc. and changed it to all masculine pronouns. Read it with your own precious child in mind!

1. Never do for a child what he can do for himself.
2. Encourage a child's first attempts to help you or to do things for himself. (Remember, a child who is learning will not do the task as well as you can.)
3. Give a child credit for trying to help you out.
4. Give plenty of time to learn.
5. Don't criticize or make fun of poor results. Encourage him to try again and carefully steer him toward a better way.
6. When a child is ready for larger responsibilities, let him take them on.
7. Let a child know you trust and have confidence in him.
8. Praise for efforts as well as performance.
9. Let your child make mistakes without feeling guilty.
10. Be sure the child knows that his help helps the whole family.
11. Admit your own mistakes when you make them.
12. Don't demand more of a child than he can give.

Remember, "A child needs encouragement as a plant needs water and sunshine."

I'm not sure where this originated, but it also reminds me of some of the sociology things my mom was so fond of.