Accountability simply means being responsible for the decisions you make and being reliable to follow through on those decisions. Kids are no exception to being accountable in their daily lives. In fact, the earlier you make them realize this, the easier it will be for them to transition this trait into adulthood. More importantly, kids should learn about accountability because in Romans 3:19 (NIV) it says, "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God."
Not only is teaching kids about accountability important because it affects how they deal with authority and peers here on earth, but as Christian parents, we know that one day they will be accountable to God for every good or bad decision they have made. We will all have to answer to God, believers and non-believers alike.
To go about teaching your child about accountability and ways to build this trait, you may try some of these suggestions:
Implementing Chores: Chores that you give your child to do should be age-appropriate. Lay out a chore schedule where your child can easily see it and mark off the tasks completed. Before your child begins with his chores, be sure he knows the rewards for completing the chores and the consequences of not completing them. If your child completes his chores satisfactorily, be diligent in giving your reward (sticker, allowance, trip to the ice cream shop, etc.). If your child does not complete his chores, be sure that you stick with your plan of action for not completing them. By doing this, you will teach your child that he is accountable for doing his chores, and you are accountable for providing the appropriate response to his completing or not completing them.
Extracurricular Activities: Before you sign your child up for a sports team, scouting organization, or some other type of activity, make sure it is something they really want to do before you let them do it. Often times a child will want to try something and figure that if they don't like it, they can just drop out. Your child has to understand that once a decision is made, he is committed to finishing the task. It would be a waste of money to drop out and it is letting other people who are counting on his participation down.
Follow God's Word: You have been commissioned by God to teach your children about Him. In Deuteronomy 6:6-8 (NIV) it says, "The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts. Make sure your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road. Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up. Write them down and tie them on your hands as a reminder. Also tie them on your foreheads." Let them know that one day they will have to tell God about every good and bad thing they have done and will have to be accountable to Him. Be an example of doing what is right, and your child will learn best by watching you live your daily life.
Feelings and Emotions: Often times, by human nature, we use our feelings and emotions to guide our thoughts. This is no different for children. Excitement may make them want to do what other kids are doing without knowing if it something they are really interested in. Fear may drive them to do something they really do not want to do. Help your child control his feelings and emotions by talking things out first before they make a rash decision. Of course, there are times when listening to his heart is a good thing, for that is how God speaks to us in modern times. Communication is the key when feelings and emotions are involved. Help your child sort through these feelings and emotions and he will learn how to act upon them in the future.
Do Not Give Up: You may get tired of telling your child to do the things he should or that are expected of him. Never take the attitude of, "Oh he'll never learn." It is your job to teach him. He won't learn, if he has no teacher. Persistence will pay off. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) says, "Train a child in the way he should go. When he is old, he will not turn away from it." Be encouraged!
