How You Can Teach Responsibility To Your Preschooler

It’s never too early to begin teaching your young child personal responsibility, but how exactly do you do that with a child aged 3-6? Parents and teachers can use a number of activities that instill important life skills such as a strong work ethic, self-confidence, and a sense of responsibility for themselves and the communities they are a part of.

Here is a list of 5 ways you can incorporate these important life lessons into your child’s education before they even begin school.

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Assign Your Child With Age Appropriate Tasks. In the busyness of life, it's easy to ask your child to ‘move out of the way’ as you quickly get things done. But what many parents do not realize is that allowing your child to help you complete tasks throughout the day gives them a sense of importance and accomplishment that will carry forth throughout their lifetime. Having your child help with the mixing, the laundry folding, and grocery shopping can do wonders for their self-confidence as they grow older.

Teach Children How To Be Giving. It's truly a quality over quantity mindset when showing young children how to have a kind heart. Giving your child some pocket change to donate and explaining why you are giving to that specific organization models a charitable mindset and teaches children to be giving in their community.

Roleplay Through Options And Scenarios. An important part of life is decision making and feeling confident in your decisions. This idea can be taught to young preschool aged children through offering your child options in different scenarios. Engage with your child and ask them what they would do in certain situations and praise them for their opinion. Talk through safety scenarios that are age-appropriate and ask what they would do if this were to happen. And of course, take time to thank them in the moment when they make great choices on their own throughout the day.

Pinpoint Specific Positive Behaviours. It’s important to give children specific feedback pertaining to exemplary behavior. If your child cleans their toys without asking or shows kindness to their friend or sibling be sure to share that specific feedback to them. Knowing exactly what they did, and how it has a positive effect on their family community, will help encourage more positive actions.

Encourage Decision Making. As much as possible, let your toddler or preschool-aged child make decisions on their own. To prevent them from feeling overwhelmed, give them 2-3 options in a specific situation and ask them to make the choice for themselves.

Grey Matter Preschool Program For Responsible Children

The Montessori style of learning incorporates these, and other important life skills, into your child’s Pre K program. By developing their independence from an early age, you will see your child’s self confidence and sense of personal responsibility flourish as they grow up and continue on their education path.

If you are looking for a preschool in Calgary that encourages independence, fosters a love of learning, and celebrates individuality then Grey Matter Montessori is for you! Book your preschool tour by filling out your contact information below, or by calling the school directly at 587-707-4739.

FAQs

Q: How can you explain responsible behaviour to a young child?
A: When dealing with 3-6 year olds, or pre K-aged children, it is important to develop their self-confidence to make responsible decisions, while, of course, modeling the behaviour yourself. You can do this by:

Celebrating good choices
Modeling and identifying kindness
Following through on your word and recognizing when your child does so
Teach your child how to care about themselves, their family, and the world around them

Q: How can I include responsibility in my young child’s education?
A: From day one we can encourage responsible decision making with young children through giving young children small tasks and celebrating follow-through. Ask your 3 year old to put the laundry in the hamper and celebrate the task completed. Allow your child to help around the house (even though it really may just slow you down) and thank them for their efforts during the activity. These types of experiences will go a long way in helping your child grow their confidence in decision making and sense of responsibility.

Q: Where can I find a unique preschool program in Calgary?
A: If you are looking for a Pre K program that celebrates your child and their unique abilities then Grey Matter might be for you. We are an IPC certified preschool, with passionate and well-rounded educators that will teach your child skills to last a lifetime. Call 587-707-4739 to book a preschool tour.