June 26, 2006 6:26 AM
Building a work ethic in kids
This was originally printed in Christian Parenting Today - in 2001 maybe? - but just posted at Woman's Touch:
Seven Strategies for Building a Work Ethic in Your Kids
By Barbara CurtisToday is my first son’s first day at his first job.
Josh is rarin’ to go, but pauses for a hug and a blessing before he leaves. It’s a simple but physically demanding job—unloading big brown trucks for a well-known delivery service. After years of sports and workouts, Josh is equipped to handle the muscle power.
But only time will tell if Josh has everything else it takes to succeed on this and all the jobs to come, to sustain his academic momentum in college and eventually provide for a family.
While today marks a rite of passage for Josh, it doesn’t stand in isolation. It’s the day his dad and I have been preparing him for since we first taught him to pick up his clothes, crush the cans for recycling or vacuum out the car. It’s what it was all about when we gritted our teeth and took the extra time to make him do something when we could have don it faster and better ourselves.
It’s the real life test of our everyday efforts to raise children with a work ethic.
Believe me, it hasn’t been easy. In today’s culture of plenty, parents who place a premium on teaching children to work may find themselves going against the flow.
Read the rest here.
Posted in Mothering, Teens and Tweens, Toddlers | Permalink
Comments
Thanks so much for sharing this, Barbara!!! It hits home with our almost 3 yr old son! We really work with him to do things on his own....but he is a "natural whiner"!!! It's something we have been working on with him since we adopted him at 2 yrs old. He's definitely gotten better, but he really does give up so easily and expects others to do everything for him. I've never given in to that.....and it's REALLY hard NOT to because it would prevent the whining and just make things go smoother in the "short run"! But your post has really encouraged my heart because it encourages everything we've been doing with him!!!! Thanks so much for all your support and encouragement in parenting! : )
Posted by: shawnda | June 26, 2006 2:47 PM
