Giving/taking responsibility

[rzb]

Prompted by a thread in which many posters mentioned they didn't want, or didn't have the time, to make packed lunches for kids to take to school, and memories of my kids' Yr 3 refrain of 'no-one else has to make their own packed lunch...'

What things have you given your children responsibility for doing for themselves at a younger age than seems to be typical? What things have you tried or wanted to give them responsibility for, but which they weren't ready to do at that stage? Are there any things where they just assumed responsibility for themselves which surprised you?

Not exactly what you’re asking, but I remember being allowed to walk places alone and take public transport earlier than most of my friends. Mainly just because my parents were busy, but I also liked it that way. From age 6 I walked the half mile to and from school, for example, and before the end of primary school I was confident getting the bus to the next two towns. From starting secondary school I would do multi-part bus / train / walk routes (pre smart phones, of course). I’m sure any of my friends could have managed all of that, just their parents preferred to drive them around. I also got left at home sooner than my friends (multiple days aged 13) but I think it was only that young because I had two older siblings nearby who could be sort of in charge or at least available if needed. I loved feeling independent and trusted, and my parents always knew where I was going, with whom, when to expect me back etc., they weren’t just leaving me completely to my own devices.