Cardinal John Foley School

An important virtue we can help our children develop is responsibility. Responsibility looks different at different ages, but it is always about doing our part for the good of others. For younger children, it may mean putting toys away, helping set the table, or remembering to bring their folder back to school. For older students, responsibility might mean completing homework on time, caring for their belongings, or noticing when someone else needs a helping hand.

At school, responsibility is lived out when students take ownership of their actions, complete their classwork with effort, and contribute to a classroom environment where everyone can learn. At home, it is shown when children share in the work that makes family life run smoothly. These small but meaningful actions teach children that their choices matter and that they are trusted to play an important role in their community.

As Catholic educators and parents, we know that instilling a sense of responsibility is part of forming children into young people who live their faith in action. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of Luke, “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones.” (Luke 16:10) By practicing responsibility in the little things, our students will grow into people who can be trusted with much.

Let us look for ways to encourage responsibility in our children and take the time to acknowledge them when they live out this virtue.