I learned the value of hard work at a young age from living on a farm. We were up by 6:00 am to head out to the chicken house or work with the animals. The summer months were focused on training the livestock for the upcoming local fair in September. The training was done twice to three times a day during the cooler hours. In those days, the chicken houses were not automatic and required feeding and watering by hand. Once finished, we walked the house picking up dead chickens.
Not only did we tend to the animals, but we also worked in the gardens- not a small plot but ACRES. The early mornings allowed us to complete the outdoor chores before the days’ temperature turned too unbearable. We worked inside during the roasting hours on house chores and putting away the gathered vegetables. Sometimes the work lasted after midnight finishing the canning. Note— we did not have central heating and air- a single window unit and floor fans.
I remember the assigned chore list. I had to clean the kitchen and wash dishes on Mondays and Fridays. The living room and laundry were on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I may have the days wrong now that I think about it. Does not matter- we were expected to have the chores completed by the time our parents came home from work. We will not discuss what would occur if we wasted our time playing.
Lessons learned: much can be accomplished in the early hours, do it right the first time then the task does not have to be repeated (Rewashing ALL the dishes for one!) or receive a good scolding for wasting food!
I have carried the same mindset in my home. My children were assigned chores on specific days. Even though I am their mother, I have to admit they did an awesome job completing their chores. Needless to say, there were days that could have been better.
I observe my grown children being mindful of how meticulous they are with their own homes or living areas. I am very proud of their work ethics.
Learning the value of hard work came from observing, coaching and modeling from the adults and others who were present in my upbringing. I truly believe in the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”. A child mimics what is seen and heard.
I will end this with my , it is OUR responsibility to be the coach and set the example of appropriate expectations that a child follows to learn the needed positive work ethics.
thepileofstickshome 