Читать книгу Raising Able - Susan Tordella - Страница 10

You may be thinking, “Was it worth it?”

I was optimistic, young, on a budget and motivated to involve them in housework. The children were playful, thrill-seeking and capable. They learned about collaboration, a work ethic, cleaning, and how to use an extension ladder. I pushed the limits of child labor. Bob would have made a big difference. He could handle the extension ladder and would have provided more supervision. I was reluctant to use a precious Saturday to clean windows. So I took on the project alone to reinforce our family values of having fun while working together and saving money.

We often transmitted those values without taking on the ambitious project of cleaning thirty-five windows. The simple act of the children doing dishes nightly -- whether they felt like it or not -- taught self-discipline and reminded them we depend on their contributions.

Taking responsibility for chores overflowed into other areas of their lives almost immediately. The children had the self-discipline to manage their school work from elementary school onwards. They were in charge of practicing their instruments, keeping track of library books, and doing their laundry starting at age 10 or 12.

At 15, Casey got hired at Boston Market. When Noah followed in her footsteps, they gained a reputation for being good workers. Ian came next.

Ian, now 25, said, “When I was growing up, I knew other children didn’t have to do the dishes or pack their own lunch, and I resented it.

“At 14, I got a job at Boston Market where my older brother and sister worked. I found out that our family was known for being excellent workers and realized my mother wasn’t just torturing us. There are dishes that need doing, and everyone should do them. Chores taught me to be self-reliant. Many of my friends are now learning skills I learned when I was 8.”

Their work ethic was basic: show up on time, follow directions and get along with crew and customers. Those simple attributes have served them well through elementary, middle and high school, college and into their careers.

A simple routine of a few childhood chores teaches valuable life lessons. The chores do not have to be as complex as washing thirty-five windows. The children must be held accountable to complete the jobs by an agreed upon time. Most of the chores must be for the common good. No money changes hands, unless the children pay parents for what we do for them.