[label type=”default”]Article by: Julie Hildebrand[/label]
Instilling a Positive Work Ethic During Summer Break
Summer is around the corner and I’ve found it’s the perfect time to reinforce a good work ethic in our kids. I know what you’re thinking, “Wow. She sounds like a fun mom.”
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a summer filled with fun and down-time just like everyone else. But summer vacation also affords our family the opportunity to focus on valuable lessons that aren’t taught in the classroom – namely household chores.
As parents, our job is to train up our children to become responsible, capable adults who can one day operate and manage their own homes and families. But somehow, parents have traded in this
job description for one that reads more like a cruise director – in charge of all the details of our kids’ extracurricular activities and entertainment.
In the summer months, I have found doing specified chores right after breakfast works best for our family. Our family rule is that my kids may not ask about any “fun” activities until their chores are complete.
[pullquote align=”right”]As parents, our job is to train up our children to become responsible, capable adults who can one day operate and manage their own homes and families.[/pullquote]
Somehow, that rule has made them more eager to finish their responsibility list and in full disclosure, our house would not pass the white glove test and everything is not always in its place. However, it has been freeing for my husband and me and liberating for our children to share the household load.
If this is all new to you, don’t be surprised if you struggle with urges to “just do it yourself.” Let’s face it, when kids start doing chores, they usually don’t do them well. That first peanut butter and jelly sandwich is going to require a clean-up.
The first time my daughter made her bed it looked like a lumpy, bumpy mess with the covers pulled too high. But now, she makes her bed beautifully and without my help. If you are willing to put in a little effort at the beginning to teach them, it will pay off. And you might even find yourself with more time to enjoy the summer.
