Teaching Kids Responsibility & Work {Labor Day Special}

I’ve been reading about labor & work in my quiet time, when I realized it was Labor Day.  What a good time to  share some ideas in teaching kids responsibility & work.   Some of these ideas are ones I mentioned on Homeschool
Super Heroes.

Before I share these ideas, remember that it is more important that you “model” a good work ethic for your kids.

• Do you cheerfully work around your home?
• Would your kids know that your job is well done?
• Do you work to the best of your ability?
• Do your kids see you help others outside your home?

Your kids will learn more about working from the way you work. However, I think it’s important to talk to your kids about work from God’s perspective.

Paul tells the Corinthians that “we labor, working with our own hands.” (I Cor 4:12)  Your kids should learn to work with their own hands, too.

As toddlers, they can clean up their toys and put them in a laundry basket.  As they get older, they can clear the dinner table and wipe it down.  As they get even older, they can clean the windows outside or clean your car.

Your kids have many opportunities to learn to work with their hands.  Hopefully, you aren’t one of those moms who does all the work around the house; hopefully, you are letting your kids learn how to work around the house.

Paul also tells the Corinthians “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (I Cor 3:6)  The first principle in this verse is we each have different jobs or abilities.

In your home, you can teach your kids to do different jobs as they grow up.  As everyone in the family works together, your home will be cleaned & operate smoothly.  This teaches the idea of “working together for a greater goal”.

This is also true of the family of God, in your church. As we all work together or the Lord, God’s overall work is accomplished. Here are a few ideas for your kids to work in the church.

• Pick up bulletins after the service
• Volunteer in the nursery
• Visit with widows/widowers before or after the service
• What do your kids do to work in your church?

Paul goes on to say, “No other foundation an anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (I Cor 3:11)
All our work is laid on the foundation of Jesus Christ.  Without Him, our work is nothing.

When your kids complain about a job or helping their sibling, remind them who their master is: Jesus Christ.  Train your kids to keep Jesus in mind as they do their chores, help their siblings, work for their neighbors.

As the earlier verse states, Paul & Apollos worked, but God gave the reward.  God increased the results of their work.

Teach your children that God blesses your work, even around the house.  I believe this is a good time to show your kids the importance of working outside your home, reaching out to those around you.

Work involves more than working at home.  Work should involve work outside your home.

How?

• Feeding the neighbors pets & getting their mail when they are gone
• Babysitting a young mom’s kids so she can have a free afternoon
• Raking leaves for the elderly at your church
• Cooking a meal for a family with a new baby
• Visiting or volunteering at nursing homes
• Volunteering at pediatric wing of hospitals

All of these ideas involve working with your hands, do a unique job and leaving it to God for the blessing.

What other jobs do your kids do outside your home?
What do your kids do to work in your church?

ps.  If you are encouraged by this blog, please leave a comment about work & your kids.  It would mean so much to me.

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