Raising Responsible Kids

With summer just around the corner it can only mean one thing, Summer Reading Program!  My kiddos get so excited to see what the theme for the summer reading program is and the fun prizes they can win. Not to mention all the fun adventures to be had in a book!

And this year is extra special because we have a full-fledged reader among us, in addition to my husband and I, our 1^st grader can read.  This is nice because it gives mom and dad a break. She can read to her younger siblings and she also models superb quiet time with a book. It is my hope that her younger brother and sister will follow her lead and one day naptime/quiet time will be reading time. But with 3 kiddos each checking out 10+books/items from the library how is one to keep up with all those?

Well, I think I have come up with a fool-proof (hopefully) plan, Reading Responsibly Tubs!!  

To make a Reading Responsibly Tub you will need:

• 2 cups of coffee (for mom, optional)
• 1 Tub (we used Rubbermaid tubs from Meijer’s, cost $2 a piece but I am pretty sure you can find them at most stores)
• 1 pocket from kiddo’s old pants (we have enough around our house but you could get some at a thrift shop or garage sale)
• Glue Dots
• Fun stuff to decorate the tub with like: Buff paint, Glitter and Glue, Foam adhesive pieces, Stickers, you name it, just not washable markers because guess what? They will wipe right off.

How to assemble the Reading Responsibly Tub:

• Let kiddos decorate their tubs as they please.
• Cutout pocket and use glue dots to place pocket on tubs.

 

Here comes the responsibility part….

As soon as the kiddos arrive home with their books, CDs, etc. from the library they go directly into their own tub. In addition to the items they checked out their library card (all 3 of our kiddos have their own library card, yes, even our 2-1/2 yr. old…this is a superb way to start teaching responsibility from a young age….when given the proper guidance) and receipt with the names of the items checked out and when they are due back goes into the pocket.

Fast-forward to a week later and it is time to go back to the library. Have kiddos take out their receipts and depending on their age; have them either count how many books need to go back and how many are in their tub, or, if you have a reader they can simply check off the books that are in their tub.  If there are any items missing the child is responsible for locating them.  We have a new rule in our home, if you do not return ALL items the next week you will not be able to checkout anything in the future until that/those items are located. And if there are fines that occur they can work off their fine by going above and beyond their chores and helping around the house.

Of course, getting your kids to take care of the possessions they’ve borrowed is only one factor for raising responsible kids. It is equally crucial that they appreciate their health, which is why knowing how to choose a pediatrician is vital for all parents. After all, removing the fear factor of seeing a professional will make your life a lot easier. 

Parents should also look to teach their kids about responsibility for others. Getting a pet is probably the most fun way to do this. But the kids need to help out with feeding and cleaning.

Nevertheless a library card is a magnificent way to teach children how to be responsible!

Here are some additional sites I came across that have great suggestions for raising responsible children.

http://www.parentfurther.com/resources/enewsletter/archive/raising-responsible-kids

http://www.parade.com/features/doing-whats-right/raising-responsible-kids.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/parenting-toddlers-to-teens-tips-to-raising-responsible-kids

If you have any tips or resources, stories, experience, etc. please share

http://www.amamasstory.com/2013/04/mama-moments-mondays-link-up_8.html