Parenting Thoughts

Only PEOPLE, not THINGS, can be responsible.

“The milk spilled.” Milk cannot spill itself. That would be magic. Only a PERSON can spill the milk.

You can help your child become a responsible person by being clear about who made the mistake. Name the person responsible.

Examples.

Saying who is responsible:  “You broke the toy. Let’s see if together we can fix it.”

Instead of: “The toy broke.” (No one is responsible for breaking the toy; no one is responsible for fixing it.)

Saying who is responsible: “I forgot to get cereal at the store. What else can I fix you for breakfast?”

Instead of:  “The cereal is gone.” (No one is responsible for not getting cereal; no one is responsible for a solution.)

Inspired by: SELF-ESTEEM: A FAMILY AFFAIR by Jean Illsley Clarke.