Are you implementing all four steps of the Accountable Kids program? If not, this month's tip is for you. Set a goal to introduce or reinforce one step each week until your family has implemented all four steps of the Accountable Kids program. Each step introduces components that are essential to the long term success of the program. You do not need to completely master each level before progressing to the next step. Keep challenging your children with each new level. It is only when all four steps are implemented that the Accountable Kids program becomes an entire system.

Step one of the program introduces the concept that completing basic chores earns basic privileges. This is great, but there is so much more. Parents can encourage values and virtues using the Best Behavior Card. The Special Date Card has numerous dimensions to strengthen relationships. The Privilege Pass can eliminate that negative habit that just won't go away. Earning Bonus Bucks teaches life lessons essential to adulthood.

Step four is the final and most important component of setting up a family meeting. If you are not consistently meeting to discuss goals, accomplishments, and difficulties you are missing out on a great opportunity to unite as a team and make the most of your resources. The Family Forum is a must for keeping everything together. The New Year is a perfect time to set a goal of introducing or re-evaluating each step in the Accountable Kids program. If you have any questions or suggestions don't forget that we are always here to help you. We invite you to keep in touch to share your struggles and successes.

Accountable Kids believes in the importance of helping children develop a strong work ethic and become contributing members of the family. Childhood and adolescence is a time to train children to be successful, independent, and moral adults. This belief is supported by parents, educators, and professionals. This month we came across an article that supports the commitment and effort of Raising Accountable Kids. The experts in this story agree that household chores can help raise responsible children who keep themselves out of danger and say "no" to alcohol, drugs, and sex. Chores help children become active members of the family and strengthen the bonds for a united team. This article also encourages parents to use helpful tools to remind kids what to do and when to do it. The Accountable Kids program does not shelter your child from all the pitfalls in life, but it teaches basic principles that, if learned and applied, will help your child develop important life skills that will continue into adulthood. We wish you the best throughout the New Year and salute your parenting efforts and commitment to Raising Accountable Kids.

Raising Responsible Children: Believe it Or Not, Chores May be Best Technique

How can parents raise responsible children - children who can keep themselves out of danger and say "no" to alcohol, drugs and sex? The best solution is . . .

I was really excited to receive the start up kit after hearing about the Accountable Kids program. After we had a chance to view the DVD and read the book we started the program. What a blessing it has been for us. It has transformed me from the nagging mommy to the encourager that I was longing to be. It has also taught our children what it means to be an active team member and what it takes to make a family work.

We get so excited to celebrate with our children at the end of each week when we look over the boards at our family meeting. They are learning to be responsible for themselves and to gracefully accept consequences for poor behavior choices. They are also learning the value of giving and saving.

Last school year, even the teacher at our daughter's public school noticed a big difference in the responsibility level and the initiative she took to accomplish her work. He asked us what we were doing differently and we told him about the Accountable Kids program.

We have fine tuned the program to fit what works for our family. The program has provided for us the framework for the structure that we so desperately needed. It is also an invaluable tool to set the perimeters for behavior and discipline.

Thank you, so much Scott and Tracy for the hard work and effort that you have put into this program. We really appreciate it. Accountable Kids = harmonious homes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks,
Maggie H.

"Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage." Ralph Waldo Emerson