Question:  How do I get my child to stop blaming others for his bad behavior and take responsibility for his actions?

Answer:  Many times, children first learn how to avoid taking responsibility for their actions from their parents.  For example, they may hear their parents blaming the rainy weather as being the reason they couldn’t get to church that Sunday.  However, the children see these same parents going to their jobs, driving to shop at the mall, or getting to their favorite game at the local sports arena all during rainy weather.   Plus, through the media, children can see popular television stars, musicians, politicians, and athletes  regularly blaming others when they are caught doing the wrong thing  or getting into legal trouble.  These famous figures fail to take personal responsibility for their actions.  Sometimes, after behaving this way, they become even more popular.  What lessons do you expect children to learn from witnessing these adults playing the blame game?

As Christians, we should care about the words we say to others.  Proverbs 8:8 says that all the words of our mouths are to be with righteousness…  With nothing crooked or perverse in them.  Exodus 20:16 says that we should not bear false witness.  In other words, we should not lie.  Blaming other things for our bad behavior when we know in our hearts it’s really our own fault is wrong.  We are not being truthful.  We are telling a lie.

Therefore, teach your children that it is a sin to lie.  Let them know that in your household, you will strive to do what is pleasing to God.  We do not please God when we do what His Holy Word says is sin.  Teach your children that we are to pray to the Lord for forgiveness of all of our sins…including when we sin by playing the blame game.  God hears our prayers, and He will forgive us our sins. Be their best role-model by accepting responsiblity for your actions!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family          www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries  www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network   www.cbn.com

World Magazine                 www.worldmag.com