by Tracy Lynn Smith

Created on: May 02, 2010   Last Updated: May 04, 2010

Good work ethics are more then just good practice; they are a life long skills that every person will need. For 18 short years kids get to be kids. After 18 until they hopefully retire, right now retirement is age 72, they will work to provide for themselves and their families. To install good work ethics into children, parents need to start as early as possible. In those short 18 years children need to be taught the skills needed to survive in the adult world.

The most simple and best way to teach good work ethics to children is with chores. Chores can start as soon as the child is capable of getting out their own toys. If the child can get out their own toys, they can learn to put them away as well. As with teaching any new chore, the best way is to lead by example. Show the toddler how to put his toys away. You put one of their toys away as the toddler puts one toy away. Eventually the child will not need your help to pick up. As the child gets older they will have more chores that are age appropriate to do. Each new chore gives them new responsibilities. Even just keeping their room clean is teaching children to be neat and organized, which is very important in the work world.

Children tend to look up to their parents. They watch and learn from their parents. The next best way to teach good work ethics is to put them into practice. It is very important to always be on time. My mother was always fifteen minutes early to everything she took me to. From after school games, doctor’s appointments, or family gatherings, we heard Mom say “it is always better to be early then late.” My siblings and I all show up early and on time everything because of this practice. Now I find my self saying the same thing to my children. Leading by example and giving a little statement like “it is better to be early then late” will help to teach children good work ethics.

Another good work ethic is not missing work. Children learn not to miss work unless they are sick by not missing school. There are many circumstances for why kids do miss school, but the general rule should be to try to never miss a day of school. This helps the children learn to try to always make it in to work. If a child misses school because they just don’t feel like, they will likely carry the same attitude with work.

Teachers are a large help with teaching children work ethics. Teachers will require children to be neat, organized, on time, and so on. Supporting the teachers and making sure the children do this tasks will teach them good work ethics. Not only will this improve their grades in school but it help reinforce the work ethics they are being taught.

Teaching children good work ethics is the best way for children to grow up and be successful in the adult work world. Starting at an early age, leading by example, supporting the teachers, and giving chores are the best way to teach children good work ethics. Installing good work ethics is important so your child will be successful in the work world.

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