In my previous post I talked about my oldest child’s willingness to help around the house. He’s now 4 1/2 years old.  We have always encouraged our children to work because work is good as ordained by God. We received some comments in the past such as:

• “He’s helping out right now because it is something new. Just wait until the novelty wears off, he won’t want to help anymore.”
• “It may seem fun right now, but wait until he’s older as it wouldn’t be fun anymore. Naturally, he wouldn’t help anymore.”

Even though I didn’t exactly like hearing these comments in the midst of my blissful glee about my son’s helpfulness, I knew they were true. However, these comments didn’t deter me from impressing upon my son the importance of work. I knew the day would come when my son lost interest in work and would rather play than work. I’m realistic and I know the fallenness of man. Well, that day has come. The novelty has worn off and laziness has kicked in in full momentum. Since the inevitable has become a reality, what are we doing about it?

Recently I have given him the task of stacking cloth diapers. I told him that since he is old enough and is well capable of helping out, he now is responsible for stacking (clean) cloth diapers and accessories. I make sure I’ve given him a job that is within his capability lest he becomes exasperated. To my dismay, thus far he is not doing a good job as he would rather play than work. This is what I have anticipated.  He can take up to several hours and accomplish virtually nothing.
What has been our response thus far to his laziness?  We continue to communicate to him that work is good and that God looks unfavorably upon sluggards. Every member of the family will contribute as soon he or she is ready. My husband encourages him to make himself useful so as to bless others. He has been much blessed and gifted by God, and accordingly, those gifts are given to bless others.  In helping with the diapers, he is blessing his siblings as well as his mother. Besides having these kind of talks with him, we also take away his play time until he is finished with his job. Once in a while I give him a treat as a reward for doing a particularly excellent job, though it’s communicated that this is his responsibility as part of the family.

Any out there have suggestions for motivating / helping young children to do chores with diligence and faithfulness and a pursuit of excellence?