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Raising socially responsible kids

By Ijeoma Thomas-Odia
02 April 2022   |   2:36 am
In these changing times with the evolution of technology, numerous content and activities children are exposed to; raising a socially responsible child takes more than an effort

PHOTO CREDIT: Cherrycheckout

In these changing times with the evolution of technology, numerous content and activities children are exposed to; raising a socially responsible child takes more than an effort. With our world laced with so many uncertainties, having more socially responsible children gives bright hope for the future.

Being concerned about the needs of others is a key factor in responsibility. It is a life skill parents should equip their kids with as it makes it easier for them to impart to society later on in life positively.
Here are a few ways to raise a socially responsible child:

Encourage your child to take on volunteering. You can encourage your children to think about others by getting them involved in volunteering. You can take them along on a visit to an elderly person or help out in community cleaning activities. The point is that when they give their time and energy to something beyond themselves, it makes them value the people around them more.

Get your child involved in activism. You do not necessarily have to donate to effect a change or drive a cause. Activism will help your children understand the needs and concerns of others even without having financial resources. It is easy to get a group of kids to collect aluminum cans to raise money for a charity, but even if they’re doing it because their parents told them to, they are still learning how easy it is to make the world a better place.

Teach your child about giving back. When you make donations instead of buying things for yourself, you are teaching your child to give back. Let your child understand that not all people have access to basic necessities like food and shelter. You can do this through volunteering or taking part in fundraising campaigns with them. Your child should know that everyone has worth and value, no matter what their circumstances are.

Focus on educating rather than punishing you child. Socially responsible parenting involves setting boundaries for your child, but it also means letting them know that they are loved and cared for. Instead of punishing bad behaviour, teach your child to take responsibility for their actions and to do things that make the world a better place. Set boundaries and guidelines for your child, also make him know you are still there to support when your child makes mistakes.

Allow your kids to see the world. Do not shelter your children from everything in the world because you want them to be happy. If you don’t allow them opportunities or experiences out of fear, they won’t grow beyond what you expect of them; instead, teach your children about things even if it makes them sad or uncomfortable.

Be a positive role model to your child by living your reality. It does not make you a perfect human, your child should see you make mistakes and learn from how you pick up. This also shows your level of discipline as a parent, which is a good life skill your child should emulate. Discipline is always an important part of being a parent; hence you should be able to let your child suffer the consequences of their actions. You should not rescue your children from the natural consequences; instead, teach them to internalize a sense of responsibility for their choices and actions to be more self-reliant.

Finally, spending quality time with your child is key. It takes an effort to nurture and communicate with your child, hence it is important to keep that avenue active either a face-to-face conversation, on the phone, email, or texting, keep communication alive.

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