There are lots of different things to be thinking about when it comes to parenting and teaching our children. But one of the things that we need to make sure that we instill in our children from an early age, is the importance of hard work. Experts have found that when we teach our children the value of work and the importance of it and that of determination, it helps to improve self-esteem, as well as helping emotional development. So there are plenty of reasons why it is a good thing to do. This is never more important than raising children in this day and age.
We can get so used to things being available at the touch of a button, that it can be hard to wait for things. Which is why more than ever, teaching our children the importance of waiting for things and determination, will help them in so many ways. So here are some of the ways that you can encourage your children to stay on track and show them that hard work really does pay off.
image
Praise Effort
There is a reason in school that report cards often have an attainment score, as well as an effort score. That is because in some areas our children may struggle, but if they are putting in plenty of effort into it, then you can’t ask for more. So praise the effort that they put into things, and they will learn that effort (or hard work) is an important thing.
Don’t Help Them Too Much
It can be really hard to not help our children when they need a little help. But often, when we do too much for them, it doesn’t help them to learn or grow. So placing them in some difficult situations, but ones that are not impossible, is going to help in a big way. They will learn what works, and even when things don’t go well, they can learn to keep trying and learn that precious skill of determination.
Encourage Work
As our children grow, then there can be things that they can do around the house to earn pocket money. And this is important to start from fairly early on (though it could be for whatever reward you see fit). When the time comes for them to be able to earn money for themselves, then you should encourage them to do so (for a small number of hours). You could even look at things like apprenticeships for 16 year olds, so that they can learn a skill, as well as a small income. It can give them a confidence boost, and get them used to working hard.
Be a Role Model
It can be so hard as parents to teach your children to work hard, if you are not doing that yourselves. Which is why you have to practice what you preach, in all areas, when it comes to your children. So show them what working hard looks like, and they will have some stellar examples to follow.
