Raising Responsible Kids – Ideas from Dr. Robert Brooks

Many parents worry about their kids growing up over-privileged with an over-developed sense of entitlement.   Dr. RobertBrooks, co-author of Raising Resilient Children, says that one way of avoiding this is by teaching kids responsibility.  This, in turn, will have a positive effect on the child’s self-esteem. 

Dr. Brooks believes we all have an inborn need to help others. From a very young age, children appear toenjoy assisting their parents in different activities. Dads can teach responsibility by finding opportunities for kids to volunteer from a very early age. 

Activities such as community walks for hunger or AIDS are good, even for very small children.  Even if the child only walks a few hundred yards, it is important that he or she gets chance to participate and “help out.”  Dr. Brooks says that, if possible, families should consider engaging in these projects several times a year for positive effect.   By volunteering, kids learn an important lesson:  “Because I’m on this earth, this earth is a better place,” emphasizes Dr. Brooks.  “This teachesbothresponsibility and reinforces self-esteem.”

“Dads can also use this same principle to motivate kids to help around the house,” says Dr. Brooks.  Kids are more motivated by words like, “I need your help,” rather than “Did you do your chores?”  

Dr. Brooks’ new book, Raising a Self-Disciplined Child is due out in September, 2007.

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Six tips for Dads for raising resilient kids - from Dr Robert Brooks

Raising Resilient Kids - Ideas from Dr Robert Brooks