Responsibility, too, is an important part of life, and parents of successful kids know how to delegate. “Give your kids chores to do: Ask them to help you accomplish things around the house or even help you with appropriate work tasks, even if the help makes a mess,” Dr. Tessina said.
“At each stage of their development, turn over a little more responsibility to your children — the point is that they learn how to do things and understand what needs to be done. Plus, make sure they know you appreciate their help,” she said.