7 Ways to Teach Kids Good Work Ethic {While They Are Young} (2024)

Equipping kids with a good work ethic early on will take them from ordinary to extraordinary, especially when they start looking for theirfirst job. Beginning this process when they are young is the best way to instill this trait strongly within them – we want working hard and well to be like second nature for our kids. Today, with the help of Kronos(our sponsor),we are sharing7 ways to teach a good work ethicwhile our kids are still young.

7 Ways to Teach Kids Good Work Ethic

1. Give age appropriate chores.This is a great way to help kids start learning about responsibility, getting tasks done in a timely manner, and working hard. Remember to be patient in the beginning – initially, it can take more time to teach our kids to do the work, rather than just doing it ourselves! By making sure the chores are age appropriate, we can encourage independence and keep our ultimate goal in mind (rather than taking over!).

2. Have extra jobs that they can do for pay.In our house, chores are unpaid. They are done because our kids are an active part of the house and family. However, having extra jobs available to earn extra bucks starts to teach kids the value of money. We always say that chores get donefirstand then they can go to the work board and choose extra jobs for pay.

3. Model hard work for them.Leading by example is one of the strongest ways we can teach our kids. Actions speak louder than our words. If we expect our kids to make their beds first thing in the morning, let’s make sure ours is made too! Not doing this can create a confusing double standard and lead to resentment and bad attitudes.

4. Talk about what they want to be when they grow up.This can change a million and one times but it brings up good discussion ondifferent types of work. Watch someKronos videostogether and let them see what different kinds of jobs look like and why those individuals choose those jobs. Take time to discuss how this relates to them and their dreams.

5.Boost their confidence.Notice and say something when they do work that is above and beyond. Be specific on the compliments. Occasionally, I like to reward my kids with something special, like an ice cream treat or cupcake, to let them know I’m noticing and really appreciate it. Younger kids especially do well with rewards and meaningful praise.

6. Work on character traits.Good character is the core to a good work ethic. Traits that tie in closely with their work ethic include:

• Determination— when the going gets, hard we don’t give up.
• Self-motivation— wanting to do work well because it reflects on me.
• Confidence— this is a great article on10 ways to raise confident children.

7. Remember to notice and celebrate today’s workforce with your kids.This helps them to see good examples and create positive role models for themselves.

Each monthKronoscomes out with a new video in theirAmerican Worker Video Series.“1 in one hundred million” shares personal stories of people in the American workforce with all different jobs, telling their stories. Watch a short video on a firefighter, nurse, teacher, etc. Their latest one is aboutJustina Pratt, a Safe Start Swimming Instructor at the YMCA, Lake Nona, FL.

Her job is a cool one and her story pretty remarkable. She survived from a near drowning when she was 18 months old, and now at 35 is a kids swim instructor teaching safety. It shows how different things in our lives can shape what we decide to do in the future. The really cool part is that her job is making a difference, showing our kids that although the world is bigger than them, their hard work can still have a major impact. The life-saving stories she has received from the parents of children that were in her specialized program(Safe Start Programthrough the YMCA of central Florida)is pretty inspiring.

Ourkids can start to visualize themselves doing a job like this one day, building off the example of this positive role model.

You can subscribe toKronos free video series here. Follow the instructions and the subscription will be confirmed through an email.

If you’re looking for more safe swimming info for your infant, check out ISR, Infant Swimming Resource.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kronos.

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