Our children are often more capable than we give them credit for. It’s important to protect their innocence and grant them the blessings of a happy childhood. Yet in order to be a good steward of these souls, we must also teach them to be responsible. One way is to expect our kids to work and be responsible for age-appropriate chores.
Why? I’m glad you asked.
Because it bonds us together as a unit/family
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ~ Romans 12:4-5
These verses, of course, are talking about the body of Christ, but it is a similar concept within a Christian home. In any household, there are many roles to fill in order to keep things smoothly functioning. The child’s portions will not be as “big” as mine, but they are still necessary and help connect us to the overall good of the family!
Because it takes our minds off ourselves.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ~ Philippians 2:3-4
We (big people and little people) have the tendency to be self absorbed. Doing chores and other work helps remind us that not everything is about… me! It also helps us to become more like Christ.
Because it gives us the assurance that we are needed.
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable ~ 1 Corinthians 12:21-22
Again, this verse is talking about the church as a whole and not a family unit, and yet the concept still applies to the family. We each fear that we are not useful or aren’t needed. Even a child who cannot yet articulate this fear can still feel it. But work helps reassure them that they are helpful and capable and can be a blessing (and not just dependent) to others. (This is certainly not to say that we value them for what they do but rather that even little children can make a great deal of difference in the world). Every part of the family is vital to the good of the whole!
Because they are capable – and giving them work shows that we believe them to be capable.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ ~ Matthew 25:21
The master in the parable gave his servants talents. He expected them to use those talents and gain more! He believed them to be capable. We must do the same for our kids. This of course only works when you don’t go back afterward to “correct” their work. Please don’t misunderstand – it’s right and good to show and teach a child how to do a task before you set them to do it independently. But then allow them opportunity to do it themselves!
Because it reminds us adults that work itself is not evil but rather a good and necessary part of life
Even in the garden, Adam had work. It fills our hands, our hearts and our time. We must set the example of cheerfully doing the tasks God has given us.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17
Image by LaterJay Photography from Pixabay
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