I like this, from Linda's Homeschool Weblog:
Aaron was talking to a friend on the phone, "I just finished washing my parents' car," he said. His friend asked if he was getting money for doing it. Aaron said, "No, I just like doing it - I like doing car and bike work .... basically I'm the little work ant of the family."Good description - he's always doing something ... he doesn't care for reading or writing but compensates in so many ways. I'm glad he's learning a good delight-driven work ethic rather than having paperwork forced on him in the public schools.
Aaron speaks for millions of boys. But unlike most of those millions, he's lucky enough to have parents who listen.
Funny. Mrs. B and I were discussing exactly this over the weekend.
One of the unfortunate things about schools is that all the tidying up, cleaning, cooking etc is done by grown-ups in the background.
It's a shame because children get a great sense of achievement and responsibility by performing those sort of so-called menial jobs.
Of course children are well-known for moaning about tidying up etc. But so far we've found (touch wood !!!!!) that if it is put on the basis that "we need you to help clear the dishes (etc) because Mummy can't do it all on her own", then they can get a great sense of pride out of helping out around the house.
So now they are old enough we try to incorporate those sorts of tasks into their daily routine. We see it as an important part of their personal/moral education.
Julius
