What Kids Need
Kids Need Responsibility
(Matthew 25:21; Luke 16:10)
The Situation: Children often hear, "You are so irresponsible!" Most kids desperately want to measure up to our expectations. They want to gain our approval. But sometimes adults do not show children how to be responsible in performing a duty. Our neglect results in their negligence.
The Solution: God holds each person responsible for his or her thoughts, words, and deeds. Responsibility (or irresponsibility) is a learned behavior. Unless a child is trained to be responsible, he or she will probably follow the path of peers or pleasure. If you teach your children to be faithful in small ways, they will become responsible in large matters, too.
What You Can Do: Study the examples of Joseph (Gen 39-41), Samuel (1 Sam 2-3), Ruth (1-4), Daniel (1-2), and Esther (2). Consider together how these individuals learned to be responsible before God and people. Discuss ways your child can gain privileges as he or she grows in responsibility (showing respect, caring for a pet, doing chores, cleaning up, etc.).
