Installing Responsibility at Your Little One… Here’s How

By: Yassmine ElSayed

CAIRO, Feb. 28 (SEE) – dealing with toddlers represent problem for many parents. They just don’t know to what extent they should be tolerant with mistakes and misbehavior. This is the case with many people, not to mention treating the toddlers and teaching them how to be responsible.

In a recent piece by Baby Center, experts provide their advice in this matter.

Start simply

Give your two-year-old easy tasks to do. Anything too difficult will overwhelm them. Get them to throw their own tissue in the bin, pour dry biscuits into the cat's bowl, or use a small jug to water a plant. Simple, one-step tasks are best for this age group.

Show and tell

The best, and perhaps hardest, way to install a sense of responsibility is to be a good role model with your own possessions. Try to put your car keys where they belong, instead of on the dining room table, and tidy up your stack of magazines instead of leaving them all over the sofa.

Another way to encourage your toddlers is to show how to accomplish simple tasks on their own. If you show them what you're doing, then they are much more likely to understand what is expected of them and to want to help.

If you find yourself spending too much time showing your kids how to perform a task, chances are it's too complicated for them.

Make the job a game

We all enjoy tasks more when they're fun, social occasions. Your two-year-old is happy to be spending time with you, and they don't view emptying the tumble dryer as a chore. they'll think it’s fun to pull out warm, fluffy clothes and pile them in a basket. Dance to music while you dust together, or have a race to see who can put away the most blocks.

Establish a routine

Your child will learn responsible habits more easily if you set a routine early on. Let them know that they should always tidy away toys before tea, and help them put away beakers after every bath. This way, they'll see that chores are a part of everyday life, not something grown-ups hand out on a whim.

Phrase things in a positive way

Make it clear to your two-year-old that your household has rules that everyone follows, but set them in a positive way. Try not to issue an ultimatum. For example, if you say, "you won't get this unless you do that", you could be building up problems for the future. Try a slightly different approach. "When you've done what I've asked you, then you can do what you want to do," is more likely to work in the long term.

Try not to get into offering treats when your child does tasks that you consider to be routine. It raises the possibility that they'll decide to live without the treat and choose not to tidy up their toys.

Give them space

To save time and trouble, you may be tempted to tidy your child’s toys yourself. Try to resist this urge. Instead, concentrate more on your little one's efforts than on his actual accomplishments. They may not be doing a perfect job, but criticizing them or taking over their tasks might squash their desire to help.

Pour on the praise

Positive reinforcement will teach your youngsters that their efforts are important and appreciated. Be specific with your praise: "You did so well putting Fluffy's food in his bowl", as opposed to "Good job!" When appropriate, point out exactly how his efforts have helped everyone else: "Now that you've put the spoons on the table, we can all have tea. Let's sit down!"