Teaching Children Responsibility by Linda Eyre Summary

Teaching Children Responsibility provides a structured program to help parents instill accountability in elementary-aged children through 12 practical responsibility types, including chores, homework, and sibling care. It combines games, exercises, and real-life scenarios to teach self-reliance, decision-making, and empathy.

Parents, caregivers, and educators seeking actionable strategies for raising accountable children will benefit. The book targets those with kids aged 5–12 but offers adaptable principles for younger or older children.

Yes, especially for parents wanting hands-on methods over abstract theory. Critics praise its exercises but note some scenarios feel overly complex (e.g., elaborate consequence chains).

The Eyres categorize responsibility into:

• Objects (toys, belongings)
• Actions (homework completion)
• Choices (decision-making)
• Siblings (caretaking roles)
• Time management
• Money basics

The book suggests assigning age-appropriate caretaking roles, like helping younger siblings with homework. Activities emphasize empathy and teamwork, framing responsibility as a family value.

Yes, it uses examples like managing allowance to teach money accountability and chore charts for task ownership. Critics debate whether some scenarios (e.g., deducting babysitter fees from allowances) are practical.

Both emphasize natural consequences, but the Eyres focus more on structured frameworks (e.g., the 12 responsibility types) versus Fay/Cline’s emphasis on parental calmness. The latter critiques overly intricate methods.

Linda and Richard Eyre are bestselling authors of 50+ parenting books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Teaching Your Children Values. They lecture globally and founded JoySchools, a preschool program.

The book doesn’t specifically address neurodiversity but offers adaptable systems (visual chore charts, incremental choices). Parents may need to modify pacing for individual needs.

Some readers find certain methods overly rigid (e.g., strict allowance penalties) or time-intensive. Others note it assumes stable family structures, potentially alienating single-parent households.

Yes, it includes printable chore templates, responsibility “contracts,” and reward charts. The Eyres advocate celebrating small wins to reinforce positive habits.

While focused on younger kids, its principles (e.g., gradual autonomy increases) apply to teens. For older children, the Eyres’ Empty Nest Parenting expands on adapting stewardship.