What Responsible People Do
What Responsible People Do
At True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, Illinois, we’re not just teaching kicks and blocks—we’re helping students build strong character through our social-emotional learning program, True Character. I’m Master H, the owner and chief instructor here at the studio. With two master’s degrees in education, I’ve helped develop this program to meet the needs of all our students—from our youngest at age three to our oldest, who is 86!
This month’s focus is responsibility. We began by defining what responsibility is—essentially, taking care of what is needed or expected of you. Now, we’re diving deeper into what responsible people actually do.
As adults, we understand responsibility well. We use strategies like to-do lists, alarms, and routines to manage our daily tasks. But we also need to teach those strategies to our kids. It starts with simple tools: timers for homework, alarms to wake up, and clear expectations for chores and routines.
For example, if your child has homework, say, “It’s your responsibility to finish this. Let’s set a timer for 10 minutes and get started.” Using the word responsibility in everyday conversations helps reinforce what it means to follow through.
Responsible people also show up on time. Whether it’s school, work, a dentist appointment, or karate class—being punctual shows respect and readiness. Teach kids how to plan backward from a start time: “Class starts at 4:00, and it takes 15 minutes to get there, so we need to leave by 3:45.”
I use this approach with my own kids. My 17-year-old recently had a birthday party to attend, and I reminded him of the time window. That simple conversation helped him realize he needed to do his homework earlier in the day. These small lessons add up to big gains in independence and time management.
Responsible people also keep their word. If your child said they would unload the dishwasher, remind them: “You gave your word. Being responsible means following through.” Responsible people tell the truth, follow schedules, and stay disciplined in their routines.
The more we use and model the word responsible, the more our kids will understand that responsibility isn’t a punishment—it’s an opportunity. It’s a sign that they’re growing up, becoming more capable, and earning trust.
As we continue through this month, we’ll move from defining responsibility to identifying new roles and tasks our students are ready to take on—now that they’re a little older, a little wiser, and showing they’re ready.
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you on the mat!
True Balance Karate was founded in 2012 by Master Sue and Paul Helsdon.
We offer kids karate lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up. These lessons are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need — specialized for their age group — for school excellence and later success in life.
Our adult martial arts training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.
Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 630-663-2000. You can also contact us here. True Balance Karate is at 406 Ogden Ave Downers Grove Illinois, 60515 (next to CVS) Check out our Facebook!