Builds Character

 

"Hard work builds character."

I'm seeing more and more kids that don't want to do anything very tedious or dirty or laborious
if they aren't paid a good price.

What happened to knowing
the satisfaction of a hard job well done?

To instill good work ethics in a child, it has to begin young. It has to begin as soon as they can pick up their toys or throw their clothes in the hamper. Make it a fun game, but don't let them stop before the "game" is done. Teach them to finish the job. Then praise them for doing it.



When they are 5 or 6 yrs. old, give them a regular chore of setting the table or making their bed or emptying the trash. As they mature, mowing lawns, kitchen duties, and laundry can be added to their skills. The reward should be the feeling of contributing to the family.

Each family has their own way of teaching money skills with allowances or being paid for some jobs, but I don't think a child should have a choice of whether they want to have a chore or not. Most jobs in life are not fun or exciting. A child needs to learn to work because it is right and needs to be done.

Teach your child to offer their work to others. As a family, help an elderly neighbor or someone who has lost their job. Mow their lawn, take garden produce to them, or babysit- all without pay. Teach them that it is a way of serving the Lord by serving others. It's a blessing to be able to help others.



Ephesians 4:28
"...let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. "

A child that learns the value of working hard will be content with whatever job God provides for him. He will be respected for his diligence and honored for his faithfulness. He will not shirk dirty or tedious jobs and will know the satisfaction of seeing a job well done.