When asked what traits parents would like their children to have now and as adults, one of the most common responses is “to be responsible.” This is a broad term which means many different things, including:

• being dependable so people know they can count on you,
• keeping one’s word and agreements,
• meeting one’s commitments,
• doing something to the best of one’s ability,
• being accountable for one’s behavior,
• accepting credit when you do things right and acknowledging mistakes,
• being a contributing member of one’s family, community and society.

Being responsible is a key to children’s success both in school and in the larger world when they grow up.