Being Responsible

Being responsible means taking care of your duties without being reminded. It also means owning up to your mistakes. Responsible people are trustworthy and reliable.

Ways to Be Responsible

Do your homework without being asked. Take care of your belongings and clean up after yourself. Feed your pets and help with chores at home.

When you make a mistake, admit it. Do not blame others. Everyone makes mistakes, but responsible people try to fix them.

Why Responsibility Matters

When you are responsible, people trust you more. Teachers give you more freedom. Parents may give you new privileges. You feel proud of yourself, too.

Responsibility is like a muscle. The more you practice it, the stronger it gets. Start with small tasks and work up to bigger ones.

Fun Facts

• Kids who do chores at home often grow up to be more successful adults.
• Taking care of a pet teaches responsibility because the animal depends on you.
• The word responsible comes from a Latin word meaning to answer or to pledge.

Did You Know?

In some countries, kids as young as five help their families by carrying water, tending animals, or watching younger siblings!