by Peter Robertson

Created on: January 19, 2008

A good work ethic is one of the most valuable things you can develop in your children. It will help them through school, assist in their tertiary studies and become extremely beneficial when they encounter the stresses of obtaining a job and performing well.

Firstly, encourage positive decision making. Parents should lead by example here and show your children that a decision can be made after appropriate thought and not being wishy washy. Ask your child to make simple decisions, like which book they would like to read before bed or if they would prefer to walk to the store in their boots or sand shoes. If you've given them the right advice beforehand, they will make the correct decision. Such as reading a "calming" book before bed or wearing boots on a cold winter's day.

The secret to prospering a sound work ethic in our children is through subtlety. We should avoid over the top rewards for every accomplishment. This can create more trouble than it's worth as each time you have to increase the reward, while on the other hand, the child will feel punished if they're unsuccessful. For example, if your child manages to swim from one side of a pool to the other. Give them a hearty congratulations and a shoulder ride home (you know they love riding on mom's or dad's shoulders). If they're unsuccessful, forget the shoulder ride, jump in and save them!

Show them via clever stimulus that accomplishing something that involves effort and clear thinking will put a smile on your face. It is very important in the event that a goal isn't achieved for you to smile and offer words of advice and encouragement. Just allow them to understand there will probably more fun in it if they achieve something.

Where possible make these lessons a team effort. If you want to paint a fence before it gets dark, communicate that to your child and arm yourselves with a paint brush. This can lead to all types of fun, just make sure you're both wearing old clothes and have enough paint for a mishap here and there! When the job is accomplished in good time, reward yourselves with an ice cream or perhaps allow your child to stay up an extra half hour to watch a television show you both enjoy or even use the time to play a game. Make it seem like it was just as big a triumph for you as it was for your child.

It is crucial that you don't try and develop a win at all costs mentality, as that has nothing to do with a work ethic. What you're aiming for is to show your child that there are more advantages in working hard and intelligently.

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