As parents and caregivers, we often wonder how to instill a sense of responsibility in young children. The best way to understand how to do that is to learn from the professionals. Highly experienced and trained staff at the Silver Spring preschool in Kensington Forest Glen play a crucial role in teaching kids about social issues, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and empathy. We’ll share some insights on how preschools foster social responsibility in children.
Taking on a Social Responsibility
The administrators and staff at the center know that preschool serves as the foundation for subsequent levels of academic achievement. They believe it’s their responsibility to shape young minds and instill values that will serve them well throughout their lives.
As a socially-responsible institution, staff at the Silver Spring child care center understand that teaching responsibility isn’t solely about discipline and authority. Parents and home caregivers can, therefore, learn a lot from how the professionals instill social responsibility in young children.
A Parental Playbook on Socially Responsible Children
While consequences for not meeting responsibilities are essential, our goal is to help children internalize the concept of doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. Some advice, to parents and caregivers looking to help raise socially responsible kids, include:
- Start Early: Begin teaching responsibility from an early age. Even toddlers can learn simple tasks like cleaning up their toys or putting away their belongings.
- Model Responsibility: As educators, staff at the Silver Spring preschool model responsible behavior themselves. Children learn by observing adults, so as teachers, parents and adult family members, we all must also demonstrate responsibility in our actions and words.
- Assign Individual Tasks: Preschool staff allow preschoolers to participate in small jobs around the classroom or daycare center. Whether it’s setting the table for snack time or tidying up after playtime, these tasks contribute to their sense of responsibility. Use a similar regimen at home – for morning rituals, dinner prep, assisting with making the bed, or helping with the laundry.
- Find Responsible Solutions Together: With a classroom filled with children of diverse backgrounds, staff at the Silver Spring child care center know all about conflict! When conflicts arise, they involve children in finding solutions. Parents and caregivers at home must encourage kids to think about how their actions affect others and brainstorm ways to make things right.
- Offer Praise: Recognize and praise responsible behavior. Positive reinforcement reinforces the idea that being responsible is valuable.
Before we conclude this discussion, let’s remind ourselves what responsibility means for young children. Responsibility is not just about obedience to an adult’s word; it’s about being aware that something needs to be done and then taking action. It involves keeping one’s word, fulfilling promises, following through on tasks, and doing things that benefit oneself and others.
Final Thoughts
To sum up: Early beginnings are critical – don’t leave it too late! Modeling is powerful – as staff at the Silver Spring preschool do, show your children what it means to be responsible by consistently demonstrating responsible behavior. Involve preschoolers in age-appropriate tasks within the household. Whether it’s helping with dinner, or helping younger siblings putting away their toys after playtime, these small responsibilities contribute to their development. When conflicts arise (as they inevitably do), guide children through problem-solving discussions.
