Much is said about children’s rights, and that is very good, but let’s not forget that children also have responsibilities according to their age.
The defense of children’s human rights is important and should never be ignored, as it is what can guarantee that children have a happy and healthy childhood, physically and emotionally.
But it is not a bad idea either to understand that from a very young age, children can acquire good habits, and have some responsibilities; This, in addition to teaching them that absolute freedom does not exist or is desirable, but that freedom is a combination of our rights and responsibilities, will also give them weapons to withstand or avoid frustration in adult life.
Progression of responsibilities
Until the age of 2, a child really has no natural responsibilities, their life in general is reduced to food, sleep and hygiene, but if you start to give them schedules for some of these activities (where it is reasonable, of course), you will teach them to create habits, which are the basis of responsibility.
Between 2 and 4 years old, a child can already collaborate in some tasks, such as depositing his clothes in the basket or picking up her/his toys and drawing materials. They can also water some plants, change clothes by themselves, or feed the cat.
From 4 to 6 years old they are already capable of carrying out more complex tasks, even with a certain risk (always with supervision, and this should never be overlooked): make their bed, accompany us to do the shopping and carry a ball, help to prepare food, put the dishes on the table, wash them after the meal, bathe themselves.
This progression should increase each year until they reach the age of 10 or 12, when they will be able to take on almost any task that is entrusted to them and that is not illegal (you are not going to ask a teenager to drive a car, for example).
Being a responsible person will teach them that their actions have consequences and that they should bear those consequences, rather than trying to blame or hold others responsible.