How To Teach Your Kids To Own Their Mistakes
Source:https://www.parents.com/
Teaching kids to take responsibility for their mistakes can be challenging, as they often make excuses to avoid trouble or embarrassment. However, it’s important not to let these excuses slide, as failing to take responsibility can lead to a lack of confidence and trustworthiness in adulthood. Child development expert Betsy Brown Braun emphasizes the importance of teaching children to own their actions, and provides a five-step process to help them grow into responsible adults.
Here’s a five-step process to help them grow into responsible adults:
Step 1: Back Off a Little: Kids often develop a blaming mentality because they are constantly given instructions and told what to do, which makes them feel like they don’t control their own behavior. Sociologist Christine Carter suggests that in order for kids to learn responsibility, they first need to realize they are in control of their actions. Parents can help by stepping back and allowing kids to think for themselves, rather than constantly providing directions.
Step 2: Narrate Your Own Decisions: Adults make countless decisions daily, but kids often don’t realize the thought process behind them. By explaining why you make certain choices, you can help children understand decision-making and model how to make thoughtful, good choices.
Step 3: Stop Saving the Day: While it’s tempting to step in and solve problems for our kids, doing so prevents them from learning how to handle mistakes themselves. Allowing kids to face the consequences of their actions helps them understand that mistakes are not catastrophic and that they can find solutions on their own.
Step 4: Be a Role Model: Taking responsibility for our mistakes, even as adults, sets a positive example for kids. A simple acknowledgment like “my bad” or “I’m sorry” without adding excuses or blame helps teach children accountability. When parents own up to their errors sincerely, without deflecting, it provides a model for kids to do the same.
Step 5: Be a Coach: As kids start to understand responsibility, parents can begin addressing blame-shifting. John G. Miller, co-author of Raising Accountable Kids, suggests giving children multiple opportunities to take responsibility instead of pointing fingers, helping them learn accountability through practice.
Read More: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/how-to-teach-your-kids-to-own-their-mistakes/
Image Source:https://www.parents.com/
