For young children, teaching them to be and stay committed to the activities they decide to do is of the upmost importance. Once a person gives someone their word, they should keep it. If children don’t learn this at a young age, then they will never keep their word as they grow. What’s worse, is it’s more likely someone who starts things and quits them—whether it’s hobbies, jobs, fun activities, or projects—never learned this skill of commitment when they were children either.
Parents can set examples for their children. When a parent follows through with their own commitments, the children will be able to see that as they grow. Another way that parents can be a great example to children on how to stay committed is for parents to stay committed to the activities that they get their children involved in.
What if children want to quit and bounce from one activity to another? At this point, it’s very important for parents to explain to them that it may be hard work at first, but that commitments are meant to be kept. In the end, they will be rewarded. Inform them of the fun they’ll have, the experiences they’ll gain, the friends they’ll make, and the skills they will learn.
Another way that parents can teach their child commitment is to teach it to them at home. Start small with a few minor chores, such as picking up their toys or keeping and caring for a pet. These can be a great way for a child to learn how to keep smaller commitments, which in turn, will make it easier to keep larger ones.
Lastly, parents can teach their children commitment by picking healthy extra activities that can be fun, like dancing! They will get exercise, skills, and create bonds and friendships that will last for lifetimes.
Learning to stay committed is a skill that will develop character in a child’s life as they grow. It will shape them into the kind of adults they will be when they grow up.