Lessons on Accountability for Teens

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• An adolescent̵7;s brain is under development into the early 20s, so the ability to recognize a sense of right and wrong is still forming, according to Julie Baumgardner, the executive director of First Things First, a family education organization. However, teens can learn how to be accountable through discussion with trusted adults.

  Provide examples and scenarios for your teen that are relevant to her interests and activities. Ask ̶0;how would you feel if a fellow student copied your homework each day?̶1; and ̶0;What are some household duties that you feel teens should have to complete?̶1; While balancing homework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs and social engagements, your teen may feel overwhelmed, but it̵7;s important to show that responsibility still exists.

  If a teen is not exhibiting accountable behavior, parents should discuss behaviors they observe, according to an article on family and parenting advice company PatientPoint's website, reviewed by pediatricians Susan Kim and Thomas Emmett Francoeur. Reinforce that maturing involves being accountable for your day-to-day responsibilities and commitments.

Model Healthy Habits

• You are the primary example for your teen, so a real-life lesson on accountability begins with your actions. If your teen notices that you are not keeping your commitments or taking care of your health, it̵7;s likely he will not see the importance of being accountable for his behavior. Model healthy habits by showing your teen sanitary practices that are non-negotiable. For example, ask your teen what would happen if he did not wash his face each day? How would his personal appearance change? Show the effects of his actions when he is unaccountable for his personal health.

  Teens often feel invincible and as they are maturing, they may not understand that safety and hygiene are a priority, according to Kim and Francoeur. Have daily conversations about dangerous behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use, germ exposure and driving safety so your teen sees the importance of taking responsibility for his choices.

Create House Rules

• Arriving home a few minutes after curfew may not seem like a big deal to your teen, but the tardiness shows a lack of respect for rules. Instead of launching an argument about lack of accountability, ask your teen to help establish house rules so he is invested in the expectations. Teens need structure and responsibility while developing emotionally, but they also need the freedom to have a voice within the family.

  Kim and Francoeur recommend requesting his input while compiling rules surrounding curfew, household chores, homework obligations and respectful behavior. Equally important is the task of setting the consequences to hold your teen responsible. If he has suggested a two-week grounding for missed curfew, it is likely he will hold himself accountable when he violates the household rule.

Pose Decisions

• A teen̵7;s typical day is full of choices. What should she wear to school? How will she respond to a friend̵7;s hurtful comment? Will she seek help with homework? These decisions help her to mature but also help her build a sense of accountability to her obligations and actions. Parents can teach teens about accountability by allowing them to make decisions. Provide options such as ̶0;would you like to unload the dishwasher or fold the laundry?̶1;

  Allow your teen to be assertive and teach him to voice his concerns in a respectable manner, according to Heartland Family Service, an organization that strengthens individuals and families through education, counseling and support services. Show your teen that you trust his ability to make decisions. Reinforce, though, that he must also learn how to handle conflict and disagree without losing his temper. Try a role play to assist him in learning this skill. He may think it̵7;s silly at first, but the hands-on experience may prepare him to be more accountable for his reactions and decisions in the future.