Even from a young age, working for what we receive is a crucial part of a child’s life. From the second they walk through the doors of their nursery or kindergarten, the importance of getting work done is impressed upon them. Then, as they continue to progress through grade school into college, and eventually in the workplace, the lessons that children have learned about doing work will be carried with them. With all of that said, below are three ways parents can teach children to have a positive work ethic.
Teach Kids That What You Have Comes From Work
As parents, we want to give our kids the world. It’s common to have the desire of giving our children the things we didn’t have growing up. However, regardless of what we want to give them, it’s important to impress upon our children that nothing in life is actually free. Everything, from the home they live in to the latest consumer electronics, all cost money. Though people can win the lottery or gain wealth through fame, these are the exceptions and not the rule.
For the rest of us, money is gained from putting in the work. Therefore, teaching children this as early on as possible can help instill in them a solid work ethic. For some parents this will look like requiring them to do chores to “earn” play time. For others these tasks will result in receiving an allowance.
Don’t shy away from talking about money. Even if the message is “I can’t afford it,” being honest and open about needing to work for what you have can help children see that if they want something, it must be earned.
Instill Responsibility and Educate Them About Work
Here’s an example that I’ve heard many times over: You must do your homework before you can play video games. Believe it or not, this is a great way to instill a positive work ethic in your children. The key component of the lesson is you have to put in the work before you are granted luxuries.
It can hurt to watch your children do poorly in school, but they need to understand as early as possible that their actions have consequences. For example, if your child chooses not to study for a test, you must explain to them that not doing the work could mean they will fail. Then, talk with them about what failing can do. While they may be having fun instead of studying, that bad grade can actually cause them more trouble if the lack of work continues.
Encourage Them to Work for Someone Else
As soon as possible, encourage your kids to work for someone else. While they are younger this could mean babysitting, mowing lawns, walking dogs, washing cars, etc… Then, as they get older it could mean working at a local fast food place or movie theater. During this time, teach them about saving money, and how working can help them earn better toys and electronics.
Another way of instilling a positive work ethic is to sign them up for volunteer work. Show them how the effort of others can help make big changes in a community. For example, planting a garden can beautify an area or working with Habitat for Humanity can result in a less than fortunate person having a place to sleep.
In a world of kids seeing other kids get rich on TikTok, and celebrities spend millions of dollars on houses and cars, it’s important to keep our children aware of the fact that most people will have to work for their money. The earlier we can instill a positive work ethic in them, the better. It’s not always easy, but the sooner they see what is possible when they put in the work, the more likely they are to lead more productive and happier lives.
Hammond Psychology and Associates is the go-to resource for residents seeking psychological evaluations from a licensed psychologist in the Tampa Bay area. Click here to learn more about our Psychological Testing services in our Brandon location.