Do “rescues” discourage responsibility?

There are differing opinions on the “right” way to handle when kids forget (necessary) things at home.

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One school of thought is that if they leave necessary items at home, too bad. Making a delivery will teach them to be irresponsible. This will lead to them be reliant on someone else FORRRRREVVVVVER.

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My parenting philosophy is this: sometimes we are forgetful. It is OK to help as long as it is made a true learning experience. Not punishment by a different name- an actual learning experience.

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If the true purpose of not delivering items – even if it is *very* occasionally – is to teach kids and prepare them for the adult world, I offer the following:

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In my professional life, I have forgotten my wallet; a coworker loaned me money instead of telling me, I should be more responsible and letting me go hungry.

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I have forgotten my badge; I wasn’t left in the parking lot because of my irresponsibility, I was helped with a temporary badge.

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I have done rescue deliveries (to adults) of car keys, house keys, and yes, even a laptop to an adult human at their place of employment.

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My goal is to teach my children to be good humans and give others the grace they would like to be given when they’ve made a mistake.

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And after school today, we’ll talk about how to remember to pack the Chromebook before going to school.

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Because sometimes adults are forgetful, too.

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#PositiveDiscipline #Parenting