“A person I knew used to divide human beings into three categories: Those who have nothing to hide rather than being obliged to lie; those who prefer lying to having nothing to hide and those who like lying and the hidden.”

                                                         ~ Albert Camus

Tactics:
Start Early: Personal responsibility can be taught at a young age. A Start early: Personal responsibility can be taught at a young age. A two-year old can start putting his/her dirty clothes in the hamper and putting their toys away with your help. A 5-6 year old can start tidying their room and making his/her bed, even if it isn’t perfect. A 7-10 year old can set the table and help clear the dishes, bring in lighter grocery bags and take out the rubbish out. Middle & HS children can help with household chores & errands, like supervising younger siblings, folding laundry, watering plants, feeding pets and running errands to the grocery store etc. Set reasonable expectations and teach them how to do the specific task, and how to do it well each time. As they mature, gradually give them chores requiring more talent, but not more time in their day. An allowance for these chores creates an incentive and teaches them the value of a dollar earned.

Have a family meeting where there is a discussion of the family goal to have the home run smoothly. Listen to his/her input and concerns and give them choices in which chores they will have to undertake. Make a game out of doing chores. Keep a chart of weekly chores and give a “star rating” on their performance. If they have three chores they need to complete in a week, have him/her check them off when he/she completes the task.

Model responsibility in your own actions and create an environment where responsibility is the norm. Let them witness your sense of responsibility as an individual and as a member of your community. Whether it is volunteering at their school; involvement in charities; going to vote; recycling; conserving energy; being on time for appointments; following the rules of the road and other laws let them see your concerted efforts to be a responsible adult. Get the family involved in a worthy cause that helps others in the community.

Make sure they witness you honoring your commitments. Let your child understand the hurt they can inflict on friends and others by not honoring original commitment, because a “better offer” came along.

Teach them to take ownership for their mistakes. Let them know you have made many mistakes as well and that you learned from them.