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How do I instill responsibility
in a 12-year-old?
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Note: "Ask the Learning Advisor -- Ideas for Raising Successful
Children" is a free syndicated column from The Parent
Institute.
[JULY 18, 2005]
Q: My son is 12 years
old and a great kid, but I can't seem to get him to take responsibility for
anything. He doesn't get his schoolwork done, do simple chores at home or
even feed the dogs he loves. When he says he'll do something, I believe he's
sincere. But it usually doesn't happen. He's not lazy, but his grades are
slipping fast. Nothing I do is working. His excuse is always, "I just don't
have time!" How can I help him? |
A:
The fact is, we all have the same amount of time -- every day!
Michael just needs to learn how to use his time wisely -- and it's
something you can help him learn. Try these proven steps:
- For one week, have him keep a log of what he is doing at
home in 30-minute intervals. Nothing fancy -- just a few words
every half hour will do: making a snack, watching TV, reading
and sending e-mail or instant messages, getting ready to do
homework. Try giving him a kitchen timer that will sound a
reminder when it's time to make notes about what he's doing.
- At the end of the week, review the log together. Before you
make any comments, let him tell you what he notices about how
his time is being spent. Was anything surprising? What was he
doing most often? Least often? Having the time log in front of
him will help him see patterns and ways to use his time better.
- Help him set up a daily schedule of important things he
plans to do. After a few days, help him expand to a weekly
schedule.
- Challenge him and help him make and follow a basic schedule
for just 21 days. By then he will probably have developed a
useful habit that will improve his school performance and will
help him become more responsible for many years to come.
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column in this article]
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Helping your son become aware of time and what he needs to do
will require your encouragement and support. It won't happen
overnight. But you will see improvement, and you'll both feel good
about it!
[The Parent
Institute]
For more information about helping
children learn or to submit your own question, go to
http://advisor.parent-institute.com. All questions will receive
a prompt answer by e-mail.
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