And it's a better way to help your child prepare for school than memorization or worksheets on numbers, letters or words. However, that doesn't mean expecting your child to work independently. You need to have reasonable expectations and provide patient guidance. What is reasonable to expect for one child may be totally unrealistic for another. To determine what is reasonable for your child, look at your values, then consider your child's age, temperament, experiences and learning style.
Children learn to be responsible in small steps.
First, children need to observe parents doing the task. Next, allow the child to help with a job. Then, observe the child while he carries out the job. The patience required to stand by, hands at your sides, while the child struggles with what seems a simple task will pay off as he gains confidence and skills. This leads to the child's willingness and ability to help.