On taking responsibility…

My son blames others for every bad thing that happens to him, always.

If he falls on the street because he stepped on his untied shoe laces, he will be angry at the street. For sure it will be not his but the street’s fault for making him fall.

Yet, He is proud and takes the credit for all good luck and success, always.

I don’t think i am alone struggling with this.

I recently grew tired of this negative attitude so i decided to help him change.

What’s the first step i took? Take responsibility for my son’s problem. It is not only my fault but my problem so i must find a solution.

What did i do? I now lead by example. Drop and break something? I loudly say, well that’s my fault and i will clean that mess. I take responsibility for everything that happens in my life. I might not have control over every aspect of my life but i can choose how i react to life’s event, good and bad. OK granted i decided this only last week and i have not experience any life shattering events but it starts with little things. 

So today, we were having lunch and Liam dropped some ketchup on his pants. He asked for a napkin and i gave him one to clean up. I asked: who’s fault is this? He answered “My fault”. I tell him that i am proud that he understands what i have been trying to teach him.

Then i added: You know Liam, in the future, whenever bad things happen, accidents or not, when you take responsibility for your actions, i will always be there with you, to help you.

I will try to repeat this over and over because this is so important not just for kids but for adults also.

Thank you.