In this character study, we’re going to look at resources to help teach your children about responsibility. As with the previous posts in this series, we’ll provide you with some great suggestions and ideas for using this character trait (and the other ones) as a great mini-unit study.
Teaching Responsibility In Your Homeschool
As a homeschooling parent, you’re most likely already teaching this important character trait and life skill to your children. Although each character trait we’ve covered so far is important, this by far is one that moms (and dads) would like to see mastered sooner than later. Use the fun activities and teaching prompts below to add a unique way of teaching responsibility to your children.
Introducing the Concept of Responsibility
If your home is anything like ours, this word comes up a lot. We are always pointing out ways to show our children how they can be responsible in even the smallest of ways. At the same time, there are also times when we have to shed light on their lack of it being the result of something not-go-good happening.
One of the best ways to teach this important concept is to use real-life situations and circumstances. It can be pointed out through approaches to obligations, the lack of wanting to help others or doing mediocre (or less) work. Also, discuss the various meanings of the word-
- The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.
- The state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something.
- The opportunity or ability to act independently and make decisions without authorization.
Bible Stories to Help Teach Responsibility
The Bible is packed with stories that can help teach this character trait. Oftentimes, when incorporating Scriptural references, it can bring the Bible to life and help children make better connections with why it’s important that we read it and use it for guidance. Here are some stories to consider reading and discussing:
Joseph the Reliable Worker
Read Genesis 39:1-6. Depending on the age of your children, discuss the back story of how Joseph ended up working for Potiphar in the first place. Key concepts to touch base with are God watching over Joseph and giving him the success he had, Joseph finding favor in Potiphar’s eyes, and Joseph being reliable. Because he was so reliable, he was also considered trustworthy (another great character trait to learn about). Use this story to teach your children that as young children they can be given small jobs. As they grow older and become more trustworthy, they can be given more responsibility.
The Trustworthy Workers
Read Matthew 21:28-31. Use this account to teach your children the importance of keeping their word and doing as they are told. Your children will hear the story told by Jesus of two sons who were asked by their father to tend the vineyard. One said “no” and the other said “yes.” What ends up happening is the son who said no actually did go and the son who said he would never show up. What a valuable lesson!
A Reliable Reputation
Read Daniel 6:1-14. This is the classic story about Daniel being thrown into the lion’s den; however, what you can help your children see is Daniel’s devotion to serving the king with integrity and always doing a good job with his work. Although his actions of continuing to worship the One True God would ultimately get him thrown into the den, even the king himself didn’t want to do it because he thought he’d lose a trustworthy and faithful worker.
Activities to Teach Responsibility
There are several fun things you can do to teach this character trait:
- Responsible Animal Owners: If you own a pet, give your child a small responsibility to help care for them. If you do not own pets, use stuffed animal toys to discuss ways they can be responsible by helping (pretend) to take care of them.
- Library Lessons: Use trips to the library as a way to teach about being responsible for taking care of the books they check out.
- Due Diligence Party: For this activity, assign a chore for your child to do for one solid week (sweep, dust, wash dishes, etc.). At the end of the week, if they completed their chore each day, have a party!
In addition to the Bible stories and activities, consider incorporating coloring pages, YouTube videos, or watch the Joseph story on Netflix!
Leave a Reply