Responsibility

Outdoor responsibility test

Physical activity

Enjoy a visit to a park, the beach or a tobogganing hill.

Discussion point: Behaving responsibly in shared public spaces, and being careful not to leave belongings behind.

Gather up some sand toys and visit a park or the beach. Or take some sleds and shovels to a tobogganing hill.

As you travel to your destination, use the discussion questions to talk with your kids about what it means to be “responsible citizens” while at public recreation areas.

When it’s time to leave, don’t remind your kids to pick up their toys. If they remember their toys on their own, reward your children with verbal affirmation, stressing that they have gained your trust, and the in the future you will be able to trust them with more responsibility.

If your children didn’t remember to gather their toys before leaving, get into your vehicle before asking if they remembered to bring their toys with them. Return to the park to retrieve the forgotten toys and assure your children that you will give them another “responsibility test” in the future. Be sure to follow up by creating another opportunity for them to keep track of their possessions.

Questions for discussion
  • If we’re not careful, how could we get hurt on the toboggan hill / at the park?
  • Are there ways we could we end up hurting someone else on the hill / at the park?
  • We have some toys with us. How can we be responsible with our sleds / buckets?
  • Has anyone ever bothered you at a sledding hill / park?
  • How can we make sure we don’t become a nuisance to others?
  • What are the basic toboggan hill / park rules?
  • Can you think of some rules everyone should follow while playing on the hill / at the park?
Relevant Scripture

Luke 16:10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.