It's good to start young. If you haven't started young, don't despair, but do start now.
Start very matter-of-factly and cheerfully, with smaller jobs, with Mama or Daddy working too. Mamas and Daddies, don't ask your kids to work. Present it as a normal part of life.
Show them that when Mama or Daddy says it, it's non-negotiable. It's so fun when the toddler and preschooler want to help unload the dishwasher, but when Mama assigns that they must put the silverware away by themselves every day, it eventually loses its shiny fun. That's the time to keep at it. That's the time to assign more chores, more jobs.
Be persistent. Be diligent. It could take you five times as long to __________, but when they learn to work, it will be worth it. The obedience learned in the process is also a big deal. Little obedience eventually leads to big obedience. The work ethic and obedience are the point of the process; moreso than the dishes, raking, folding or whatever it may be.
Don't give up and do it yourself. Go get them, bring them back many, many, multiple times, if necessary and make them help you finish. Remember the big picture: "I'm teaching my children to work."
Eventually, after a few victories, you can assign small jobs for them to do on their own. You may have to go get them, bring them back and make them finish, but again, it will be worth it.
Talk about working with a happy heart. Talk about working for Jesus. Talk about accomplishing things that help the family.
Openly praise the children's work in front of Daddy. Talk about all "your team" accomplished that day around the supper table.
Keep on working. Our children can do more than we think they can. Keep on assigning. Keep on making them finish. Keep on expecting more. Keep on working as a family. Keep on expecting help.
I'm cheering for you, Mamas and Daddies!
Dominique
PS - Blossom2 and Blossom3 are in to nature photography right now. They've been running off into the woods with my phone. I think the results are inspiring!
