3 Keys to Training Our Children in Excellence

I finally feel like I have a decent routine for getting regular chores done. There are still a few adjustments that need to be made {mostly for deep cleaning}, but overall, there is a foundation set.

But now I am seeing some issues that need a bit of attention--not so much with the habit of cleaning, but with the training of cleaning with excellence. It's good that we teach our children that we need to do chores to keep things orderly. But they also need to know the importance of being efficient, taking initiative, and working with integrity.

Initiative

Teaching our children to take the initiative to do something without first being asked is an important element for leadership. It also helps them own their responsibilities and be responsible. Children seem to have a natural bent toward waiting for someone to tell them to do something before they do it. Typically it's because we have unknowingly trained them this way. When they are young, it is second nature to constantly remind our children what they need to be doing.

Yet, as they become older, we need to set aside those reminders and encourage them to take the initiative. One practical way to do this is to create a chore chart and schedule that is easily accessible to them. In the beginning of this "re-training", make it very clear what is expected of your child before you begin. Encourage them in their growth toward greater responsibility.

Then, explain your expectations, set up a plan of action, discuss consequences and begin. At first, you could drop "hints" if your child doesn't seem to remember. But as you move on in the training, allow natural consequences to take their course.

For example, say your child does not clean their room at the allotted time, evening rolls around and it's family time. Your child can be sent to go clean their room during this time rather than enjoying family time. It may seem harsh, but it won't take long at all for your child to remember after a time or two of that! Also, keep in mind these terms were discussed in the beginning of this training. This is just one example.

Efficiency

It is important that as we train our children, we follow up on their work once it's completed. This gives us the opportunity to help them to see things they may not have otherwise seen. In addition, it helps them know what is expected of them.

When you set up your plan for training, efficiency should be part of the plan. You decide how you want to inspect their work. It can be several times throughout the day, as chores are completed. Or you can do a "one over" at the end of each day. This is going to vary based on how you set up your child's schedule and plan.

We want to train our children in excellence, not perfection. We need to keep in mind they are yet young and in training. Frustrations do not belong here. Training can take lots and lots of time. In fact, it may not be until they are adults and living on their own that all this training will come to fruition! But the fruit will come as you are consistent. Still, if your child does not meet the exact standard you set, even as an adult, imagine how much worse it could be had you not trained them!

Integrity

Finally, we need to train our children to work with integrity. To put things in their place, not shove them some place where no one can see them. We want them to work well and honestly, even when no one is watching. This will be a valuable attribute to instill in them that can be carried into the workforce and essentially, life.

These are a few of the traits that go beyond the habit of simply doing chores. It's important to train in doing chores well. This will begin to empower our children in other areas as we also apply these characteristics to other parts of their lives.

In what way(s) do your children need guidance or encouragement in doing their chores?

For His Glory,

Christin Slade
ChristinSlade.com