by Laurie Childree

Created on: January 20, 2008

Children learn not only through what you tell them but through what you show them as well. When you first begin trying to instill a good work ethic in them it will start by what they see you doing each day of thier lives. You are the first example they have of right and wrong. Show them that you are a good example of how to live.

Give them chores that are appropriate to thier age.

Chores at home at a young age that are age appropriate are the first step in teaching a good work ethic to your children. When you give your children small task to do around the home it begins to build their understanding. Letting them know that they can play when chores are done is a way of showing that there are rewards waiting after the work is done.

Show them you have a strong work ethic.

They learn by what you do as well as what you say. Show them that you get up and do what you have to do even when you may not want to. They will see that you get up and go to work each day. They will also watch what you do at home.

Make a game out of it.

Small children like to play games. When you make a game out of the housework it will mean that children are more inclined to finish their responsibilities. Playing school with them will get them interested in their lessons. Making a race out of picking up toys can make it more fun for them as well.

Give them a small allowance.

When you go to work you get rewarded at the end of the week with a paycheck. Reward your children the same way. You can either give them a list to get completed each week with a set amount or pay them by the chore. (This works with younger kids just learning to add.)

Set up a board with a chore list and an amount usually a quarter or so for each chore. Have them mark off each chore as they complete it. Then at the end of the week have them help you total up the amount they are to receive. This will make chores fun for them.

Begin getting them into a routine as early as you can.

Once your child begins school they will have to be up at the same time each day in order to get to school on time. By starting them on a routine of getting up at a certain time and going to bed at a certain time you will begin giving them a sense of priority for time.

These are just a few things that will help with instilling a strong work ethic in your children.

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