The Summer Of Responsibility

The Summer of Responsibility

Legendary Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry once said, “The secret to winning is constant, consistent management.” This principle applies in leadership, in business, in marriage, and in parenting.

That is why we designated one summer as the “Summer of Responsibility.” We have been teaching our kids responsibility all through their lives. But in this particular summer, we upped our management, set clear expectations, and stayed on top of our kids to take their responsibility to the next level. From washing the dishes and taking out the trash to reading and exercising before playing video games, they were learning that it takes discipline to set yourself apart.

Do you know what we found? We didn’t find rebellion, frustration, or too many arguments. We found that our kids embraced the discipline. With a clear schedule, timeline, and reward, along with labeling the season “The Summer of Responsibility,” the kids rose to the occasion and embraced the discipline. One friend told me, “People are looking for clear leadership, and this applies to our kids as well.” Looking back, I now wish I would have called it “The Summer and Fall and Winter and Spring of Responsibility.”

Proverbs 10:5 states, “He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame” (ESV). The summer months are a great time to rest, slow down, and get a vacation. The season is also a great time to teach our kids about working hard and utilizing the time off from school to take responsibility for themselves. I would encourage you to build a theme around each summer. Be consistent, clear, and fun. When you do, your kids will rise to the occasion.

He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.

Proverbs 10:5, ESV