August 15th, 2022
Children who work towards a goal will have better self esteem than those that passively exist in the modern world of screens and sports only. Sports are important for exercise and team building understanding. However, they are not a substitute for real work and goal setting around that work. Getting dirty in work where there is struggle is a key to building awareness to life's chores and realities. At young ages, children should be expected to be a part of the family unit by cleaning not only their own room, but the main living space as well. They should be expected to clear the table after dinner and then progress to cleaning the dishes when old enough.
The chores should also be outside including pulling weeds, sweeping and other chores that parents do. This is a life lesson in completing tasks, being a part of a family unit and having responsibility.
Take them on charity based visits to give them a goal of serving others. Whether this is at a soup kitchen, church or other matters not. The giving, working and doing are enough. These are unbelievably powerful tools for teaching responsibility to others as a species. Kids do not learn this intrinsically as they are inherently selfish and that is ok and normal. It is our job to teach the other.
As they progress to the older ages of 13 on, they should be expected to try and earn their own money through work. Mowing lawns, shoveling snow, raking, baby sitting, cleaning etc... will offer so much to a girl or boy in the development of work ethic and self esteem. Help them set reasonable goals based on age. When they earn their own money, they spend their own money learning the value of work and then the money itself. This is an invaluable gift of knowledge that prevents issues later on with money and self indulgent behavior.
Be involved in their lives,
Dr. M
