You hear the noise of shattering glass and run into the room to find your favorite vase broken to smithereens, "Who broke the vase?" you ask your kids, but they deny having anything to do with it. Such a situation is sure to send your temper soaring as you wonder how you can make your children accept responsibility.

Here are a few tips that will help you in your endeavor to teach your children the virtue of responsibility.

• Let your children share chores from the time they are young. Even toddlers have an innate desire to help adults in their chores but we often refuse to let them help out because they are too small. With a little creativity, you can get even a 2 year old to help you with small tasks. For instance, let your little child help you as you pick his toys from the floor or clear the mess he made while eating.

• Once your child is old enough let them do certain tasks on their own. If the task is difficult, you can assist them. Otherwise, let your child assist you as you do certain tasks. For instance, you can ask your child to help you fold clothes or prepare meals or wash the car. As the child grows older he or she will be able to take up the responsibility of the task without your assistance.

• Assign responsibilities to each and every family member, yourself included. Children should have a clear idea as to who is responsible for taking out the garbage or who will water the plants and a lot more.

• Let your children experience the consequences of irresponsibility. This will teach them not to repeat the same mistake again. Suppose you have a child who keeps losing his toys, you will be encouraging irresponsible behavior if you keep buying him new ones as and when he loses the old ones. Let him make do without toys for a while or let him borrow from his friends or siblings. This way, he will understand that he has to take care of his stuff or make do without it.

• Give small allowances to your children so that they learn how to handle money responsibly. You ought to keep track of where the money is going and advice your child of the do’s and don’ts.

• Praise your children when they behave responsibly. This will encourage them to keep up the behavior. However, do not reward them with gifts and allowances because this can become a habit and they will expect to be rewarded for every effort.

• Model responsible behavior for your children. Remember, your children learn from you so if you leave the lights on and the tap running, your children are likely to do the same.

• Let your children join you as you do your bit towards society. For instance, you can ask them to help you as you sort out clothes to be donated to an orphanage or you can ask them to choose some lovely flowers from your garden and deliver them to the old lady next door. Such small and simple gestures touch little children’s hearts in a big way and they will learn the joy that comes from being responsible.

• Have faith in your kids. Your confidence in them reinforces their desire to prove themselves worthy of your trust.

Jonathan Pitts

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