Learning responsibilities starts at home, with simple everyday household chores. Assigning chores to a child is an important step in teaching responsibilities and consequences for actions, good and bad. Chores give children a sense of pride in a job well done, teach respect for their belongings, and those of others. When you live in a home everyone needs to participate in the upkeep.
Chores are a good lesson in work ethics.
To be effective, chores need to be geared towards the child's age and abilities. Start them out when they are young and at the stage where they imitate your every move. This has the added benefit of allowing you the time to do the job while spending time with your child. Have fun with your chores. If you act as if they are a drudgery your children will pick up on that attitude and carry it with them.