Children use their parents to guide and teach them from the day they are born. They are quick to follow by example. Therefore, a father is the ideal person to teach their child the basics, by starting at an early age, helping them do the little jobs around the house. If you can make a game out of it, you will achieve better results. It could be something as simple as pulling out some weeds, yes; you will lose some of your precious plants, but that is part of learning.

Ask them to put their toys back in the box after playing with them is a good place to start. If you have more than one child, ask them to do it together, make sure they share the toys as well as the tidying up. This is an important lesson, if learned early. Be careful not to favor one more than the other. In addition, be prepared for the "he did it, she did it." Try to discourage this attitude, if possible. All kids do it.

As the children grow up, give them a little more responsibility. A ten twelve year old can help with the dishes; put their dirty washing in the laundry. Make sure their school bags are free of old sandwiches on a Friday or before the holidays start. You will be sorry if they leave it until the end of the holidays.

Make up a chart and put it on the fridge of the chores each child has to complete. Make it interesting with pictures or give them little stars for good work for the younger ones. If you can make it a challenge or a fun thing, you will receive a better response. Offer them (not a bribe) a payment for the completed chores. If they fight or argue with you or amongst themselves, then deduct so much each time. The amount deducted should be stated and agreed upon before you start.

By giving your child pocket money, it will give them a bit of independence. It will also teach them how to handle money and give them the responsibility of saving for something they want. We have all heard the "I want, I want" This way, they will learn to understand the value of money, and the benefits and rewards of saving. If they do not have enough money then they go without. Do not give in, that is fatal. This will encourage them to want to do more chores and learn something else. Give them a little garden patch to grow their own vegetables. Put little ornaments in the garden to make it more interesting, and they get to enjoy eating their own veggies or salads.

The teenager could pick up the doggy doo before mowing the lawns. The girls could help prepare a salad or help with the washing or sweep the floors. All these things help teach our children to be responsible, which will give them the ground works for their future when it comes time to leave school and look for work.

Fathers can teach them to respect other people and earn respect in return. This is something sadly missing in the world of today, so give your children this guidance for their future.

Learn more about this author, Eileen Hughes.
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