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The secret to teaching children good work ethics is to use naturally occuring opportunties each day in a consistent way. First, work with your kids. Second, allow them some independence in their work. Encourage proactive decision-making. And, of course, praise children for putting forth their best efforts.

As parents, we easily forget the early steps we took to learn that work worth doing is worth doing well. Parents need to take the opportunity to model the skills they expect their children to develop. When you ask Jim to clean the bathroom, go there with him. Show him which cleansers to use on what surfaces. See if he can clean the sink so he can see his reflection in it while you do the same to the bathtub, then compare results. Recognize your child's ability and offer praise accordingly. If you know Jim was just hurrying to get his job done faster than you did, point out where he could spend more time.

"Jim, see how toothpaste is still stuck to that spot? Use this rag to wipe that area again."

If, on the other hand, Jim is 5 years old and can't reach that spot, praise him for reaching as far as he could and provide a small step-stool to help him reach even more. Help your children be as effective as they are able.

Jim will appreciate your willingness to share the job and you may enjoy spending time together with you, even if it's just cleaning. One bonus of working together with children is the quality conversation time available you may otherwise miss.

Once your children understand what kind of results you expect when you ask them to do a job, give them some room to complete the task on their own, or with decreasing levels of supervision. Continue to check in and praise quality work. Give them credit for using the appropriate tools for the job at hand. Always approach work as something positive. Even suggest ways to improve in a constructive, non-critical way.

One popular motivational tool at our house is to offer a happy-family party if Saturday work is completed appropriately by a certain time during the day. We pop popcorn and rent a video or play a board game together and snack on treats. Rewards don't have to be all the time, and they don't have to be expensive or exotic. Let kids earn tickets to redeem for prizes or time with Mom or Dad.

As children learn to work independently, allow them some room to make decisions about how they will complete a job. Your way may not be the best way for them, as long as they achieve acceptable results. Let them be creative.

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