With today’s ever competitive workforce, it’s important for parents to give their children the best chance possible to be able to provide for themselves as adults. Too often we see young adults who don’t have the drive or determination to put in the work necessary to become accomplished in their fields or persevere ahead of their peers. So what can parents do for their little ones now in order to help instill vital work ethic skills into their small characters? To help you on this journey of self discovery, here are three ways parents and other adults can encourage children to develop a healthy work ethic.
Take Lessons To Develop an Interest or Skill
Learning a new skill or further developing an interest are great ways to teach children some of the principles behind having a strong work ethic. According to Jared Lindzon, a contributor to FastCompany.com, taking lessons to learn a musical skill, such as voice training or an instrument, can teach children how to be good listeners, overcome multiple failures, and how to discipline themselves. While you might fear that your child wanting to learn a musical skill is just a whim that won’t last long, the work ethic skills he or she could learn will stick with them throughout their life.
Become Involved in Organized Sports
Not only is learning an individual work ethic important, but learning how to work with others in a group setting is also something children should be exposed to in order to have better success later on in life. Becoming involved in organized sports is one way that children can learn how to work with others toward a common goal.
Other ways organized sports can contribute to a healthy work ethic in children, according to Stephen D. Keener, a contributor to the New York Times, is to teach about sportsmanship, citizenship, and how to learn from their mistakes while continuing to expand upon their skills. While learning how to be a graceful winner as well as a graceful loser will also be a helpful lesson to learn, the routine of practicing at something on a regular basis will help immensely with work ethic.
Give Them Chores or Work To Complete Around the House
To every parent’s pleasure, giving your kids chores or jobs to do around the house is actually one of the best and more direct ways to instill a good work ethic into your children. Along with the benefits of learning how to work and accomplish tasks set before them, The Center for Parenting Education also shares that children who have chores at home are also more responsible, have higher self-esteem, and are more adept at dealing with frustration and delayed gratification. With these benefits to them and the assistance they’ll be giving to you, it only makes sense to have your kids pitch in around the house regularly.
With a healthy work ethic, your children have a great chance of achieving their dream and attaining their goals all throughout their life. Use the tips mentioned above to help your children learn what true work is and to see how they grow and progress through the challenges of life.
Originally posted on June 28, 2016 @ 8:11 am
