There has been a lot of discussion recently about whether children today are more self-centered than children of previous generations. Researchers such as Dr. Jean Twenge argue that not only are they more self-centered, they are also more miserable. Parents are perplexed by the research. "Have we not given our children everything they need to be happy?"
As parents we feel the constant pressure to indulge our children in sports and after school activities. We watch as other parents race their children back and forth across town to classes, clubs, sports, and academic advancement programs. When we opt out, other parents apply pressure, "Aren't you going to put Jessica in soccer this year?"
To be honest, I have never seen an extra curricular activity I didn't like. From horseback riding, to karate, baseball, swimming, math team, dance, and soccer, I happen to think they're all great. But involving our children in too many of these activities keeps them from learning the most important lesson they will need for future success: the value of work.
Teaching a child to work begins at an early age. I imagine that dual income families have an easier time recognizing this because they simply can't do everything with the limited time available at the end of the day. But those of us at home might make the mistake of thinking all the chores at home are our duty and feel guilty even considering asking our children for help. Think again.
Sociologists Scott Coltrane and Michele Adams found that school-aged children who do chores with their fathers get along better with peers and have more friends. They also found that they are less likely to disobey teachers, cause trouble at school, and are happier and more outgoing.
I've known parents who require their children to do chores only when they behave badly. While I have no problem with using chores as punishment, children should still be expected to participate in the operation of the household on a regular basis regardless of behavior. Chores, while not always pleasant, are an essential part of life.
Always keep in mind that you are raising a future mother, father, and spouse. What you teach them about the division of chores will be carried with them into their own families. So get started early. Your role in life is not to be a pathetic martyr. If you'd like to teach your son to never lift a hand once he is married, then do everything for him now. If you want to suggest to your daughter that being a mother is dreary and dirty work, do everything for her today. However, if you'd rather teach your kids that a family needs to work together to serve each other, then give them age-appropriate tasks as soon as they are able to handle them. In doing so, you will teach them the value of work.
Copyright (c) 2007 Christine Conners
There are a few ways to do this. First, you need to learn to read between the lines of these sales pages to see if what you are looking at has any value to you, and more importantly, if it has any value to others that you will be promoting it to. In most cases, the page you are reading about a specific program will be the same thing you will be promoting if you join. This is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, if it works to get you to join, then there must be something of value to it.
Lets look a little closer at the offers the online experts are telling you about their specific work at home opportunity; you know the ones that are usually long on testimonials and short on details. Now, do not get me wrong, some of these are a great way to start a work at home business. In fact, I joined a few of these myself. It is just the fact that you have to read for a while to get to the point, if you even stay around that long.
The best way to read these are to not really read them at first, but to scan the page looking for how much it is going to cost to join and what you get for the price. You are looking for a tangible object, something of value or a tool that can be used more than once. At this point, you really should not be buying just information. Remember, the internet is full of that for free.
The next thing to judge is how you will use it to your advantage and if it will teach you the skills you need to further your work at home business. Another consideration is if it is something that you see as valuable, not only to yourself, but to others that you will most likely be marketing it to.
Before you sign up for any work at home opportunity, you may be interested in you should first sign up for a free newsletter or any subscription they offer. You will usually begin to get a series of e-mail from them with useful information pertaining to the subject you are interested in while persuading you to join. This is probably the same system that you will be involved in should you join the program and it will give you an idea of the quality of their marketing and how you may well be promoting your own work at home opportunity.
Both Christine Conners & Jeffrey Houdyschell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Christine Conners has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family. Christine Conners is the author of several books including "From High Heels to Bunny Slippers: Surviving the Transition from Career to Home". Christine is a psychotherapist and mother of four who is helping at-home parents "bloom where they are planted". Christine Conners's top article generates over 2400 views. Bookmark Christine Conners to your Favourites.
Jeffrey Houdyschell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Internet Marketing, Work From Home and Blogging. Jeff Houdyschell provides proven income opportunities, ideas and information helping people start a work at home business. Visit:. Jeffrey Houdyschell's top article generates over 5400 views. Bookmark Jeffrey Houdyschell to your Favourites.