Marye Audet
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Children are our most valuable resource and the one that we most often overlook. It seems to me that so much of the time we are so busy making their lives perfect in every way that we neglect to give them the resources they need to grow into healthy, ethical, responsible adults.
One of the deepest needs of humankind is to feel important and needed. Children have an innate desire to belong, to be part of a team, to be a contributor to the household. From the very earliest ages they should be given the opportunity to work alongside and help mom and dad, big sister or big brother.
Helping with Chores Makes Kids Feel Important
My seventeen year old has been splitting wood each afternoon after his college classes are over for the day. We have had several old pecan trees come down in unusually high winds over the past year. This has been sad because we miss the beauty and the shade but they have provided us with wonderful heating wood that we will use all winter long. Splitting all of that wood is Matt's job and he does it well, and without complaint.
He doesn't complain because he likes to sit by the fire in the winter and talk to me as I make dinner. Sometimes he sits there, feet on the hearth, reading to his younger siblings or just dreaming in the flames.
He knows if the kitchen is to be the warm, cheerful place we all like it to be a fire will be needed and wood will have to be split.
Everyone Contributes
Each child has a job to do. They know that if it isn't done there are consequences for everyone, not just them. If the green beans aren't weeded and watered they will stop producing and we won't have any. If the goats are not milked there will be no ice cream, cream for coffee, or ricotta for lasagna. Chores must be done. In the meantime they learn a strong work ethic. They learn compassion for those around them. They develop confidence because they are part of something worthwhile.
Being Part of a Team Teaches Compassion
Today I had a lot of work to catch up on. After I fixed breakfast I retreated to my room to work for the rest of the day. At noon one of my kids came in with a toasted cheese sandwich. A few hours later a bowl of hot, freshly popped buttered popcorn was placed next to me. In between times my coffee and ice water were magically refilled.
Working together is part of building a strong family. Strong families build strong communities. Strong communities build strong countries and strong countries build a strong world.
Make Your Child a Teammate
Fixing fences, milking goats, and gardening are part of the homestead life. Maybe you live a different lifestyle. The principle is the same. Involving your child in the things you find important will impart to him your values. Take him (or her) to a shelter when you go to help feed the homeless, involve your child in the family vegetable garden, or have him set the table for meals. Talk about your beliefs, your values and why you think they are important.
Don't just make it all work, either. Have a family game night, go on a picnic, do a craft together; most of all learn to enjoy each other as a family.
If you want to raise your children to value the things that you value you must accept them as being an important part of your team.
More ways to strengthen families
Pick Your Own Farms Are a Green Family Adventure
Rainy Day? Entertain the Kids with Green Activities for Under $25
Green Up Family Time by Going Tech Free
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