Responsibility

Lately, we have been teaching a lot of responsibility around here. I mean now that we have a FIRST GRADER, and two other pre-school children it is about time they start learning how to be responsible for their things, for a few chores, etc. I have been using the term "responsible" right and left...ya know...so they remember all of their super demanding responsibilities. For example, I have been overheard saying,

"Girls, you are responsible for putting your own shoes away when we get inside." (super difficult chore)
"Connor, please don't drop your backpack on the sidewalk between the bus and our house. It is your responsibility to get it inside the house." (So challenging. Clearly this responsibility-training program could not have come soon enough.)
"I would like each of you to be responsible for finding your own water bottle." (which are constantly scattered around our immaculately clean house.)
"Each of you is responsible for clearing your own plate after lunch." (approximately 3 steps from the lunch counter to the sink)

You get the picture.

Earlier this week we were outside riding bikes & Kaia stops in the middle of the cul-de-sac, lays her bike there, and decides she is done. Then she starts walking inside.
Me: "Wait Kaia. Your bike is your responsibility. You need to get it into the garage. If you don't someone might steal it, or accidentally run it over with a car."
Kaia: "Mom. Can YOU just be responsible for me and all my stuff today." (then sighs the biggest sigh, as if being "responsible" is just too much for her).
Me (silently to myself): Because that would be different than every single other day of my life for the past 6 years.

Clearly, we are still in the "training" phase here, people.