In my mind there are three main aspects of parenting. The first is the theme of this blog – impressing upon our children a God who loves them and asks them to love Him and others in return.
A second is financial wisdom. When our children were young, I created the Money Management System to train our children to tithe, save, and be wise with money. This laid a strong foundation of good stewardship.
Last, but not least, is the gift of work. This is the ability for our children to lay aside laziness and develop servant leadership when work needs to be done.
This month we are focusing on the last aspect and sharing ways to build a work ethic in your child. Let’s do a little review. Read Part 1: Should Children Have Chores?
Why Chores?
Multiple Bible stories, The Parable of the Talents for one, and verses emphasize the importance of getting rid of a lazy spirit.
In Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby takes this idea a step further explaining that God is at work around us. God invites us to jump into this work and be part of something bigger than ourselves. Sadly, too often laziness gets in the way, and we miss out on an amazing opportunity to be part of what God is doing. I don’t want my kiddos ever to run from what God has for them simply because it requires a little bit of sweat or time.
The work ethic concept is beautifully demonstrated in the movie The Ultimate Gift. Based on a book by the same name, the plot expresses how teaching your child to work is actually giving them a gift. This PG-rated movie is frequently available on streaming apps.
Building a Work Ethic
But I don’t want my kiddos to do chores just out of duty. As they mature, my desire is for them to work with a cheerful heart as working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
I believe that a work ethic can be established in three ways: daily chores, taking initiative, and in working together as a family.
CHORES
In the podcast and blog post we have already covered a multiple reasons why chores are important and how to implement them. Watch for Part 2 to be released this weekend as Melanie and I discuss how to teach children who refuse to work, those with special needs, and chore examples. Be sure to print off the FREE Age-Appropriate Chore Chart.
Taking INITIATIVE
Taking initiative requires noticing the world around us and jumping in when needed. I want my children to see the child who is sitting by himself and offer friendship. For my kiddos to notice an older lady carrying a heavy bag and offer to help her. To notice me doing the dishes and help without being asked. I pray my children will have Jesus’ eyes to see what He sees, ears to hear as He hears, and hands to do His work.
WORKING TOGETHER AS A FAMILY
Growing up on the farm, my family worked countless hours together. I thank God that my parents taught my siblings and I how to push up our shirt sleeves and get dirty. My Dad’s mottos was, “A family that works together, sticks together.” He would quote. We would sigh. But, now I see how true it is. We each had a role on the farm and if we didn’t do our part, the entire family and farm suffered. We were {and still are} a team.
So, what do you think? Is giving your child the gift of work important? How you are building in your child a work ethic? I’d love to hear your experience.
And then come back next week for Part 2 of this series – How to Raise Children Who Serve! Subscribe to this blog and Parenting to Impress podcast so these practical ideas are immediately sent to your device.
