Four Simple Things You Can Do to Instill Your Child’s Excellent Work Ethic

As a parent, you’re responsible for teaching your child good life lessons that will carry them throughout their future. One of those life lessons is an excellent work ethic, as your kiddo will one day have a job and financial responsibilities of their own. Where do you begin? Here are four simple things you can do to teach your child about a good work ethic.

Tell Them They CAN Do Anything—But Within Reason and They Have to Work Hard for Everything

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The truth is—people CAN do anything…within reason. If your kiddo wants to be an astronaut, they have to work really, really hard to accomplish that goal. The same goes for anything in life. You have to work hard for everything you want to achieve, and your child should know that. So, yes, when they ask if they can be or do anything in the world, let them know that they can but it takes determination and dedication.

Be a Role Model

Kids are little sponges to everything they see and hear, so make sure you set a positive example for them to follow. Teach them through your actions that responsibilities come first. Be a good role model for how they should positively handle their own obligations and responsibilities when they reach adulthood.

Do Things That Make a Positive Impact as a Family

What makes a positive impact in the world? Volunteer work, for one. Compassion. Respect. Being helpful. All of these are things you can do and teach as a family to instill an excellent work ethic in your child. Show your kids, through volunteering and being helpful in your community, that compassion and responsibility go hand-in-hand.

Teach Responsibilities and Consequences Through Rewards Systems

Kids learn best through examples. Use markers, stickers, and magnets to keep track of everyday, or weekly, chores, then establish a system of rewards as incentive for your kids to do well with their responsibilities. If you want to add an extra-special element, snag a custom sticker making kit to create a rewards system that actually displays the goal in sticker form. As for consequences, establish those too. For example, not doing chores for two days in a row could mean no video games or electronics for the weekend.