When you were a child, do you remember getting mad when you had to rake a huge pile of leaves? Or maybe your regular chores included clearing and washing the dinner dishes? Or was taking care of the family pets your primary responsibility? All these tasks laid the foundation for your own work ethic. Your parents encouraged you to complete the tasks to the best of your ability and praised you when you did.

Children today are so busy that sometimes the lessons learned from regular family responsibilities get lost in the rush of activities and homework. However, disregarding the importance of a child's participation in regular chores and work doesn't teach self-discipline. It teaches indulgence. Our aim should be to teach our kids to be capable of completing tasks and to have pride in their hard work.

Being responsible isn't optional. Chores and homework aren't optional. These two truths need to be spelled out up-front and clearly to a child. It's part of the "job" of being a kid. It's nearly certain that if we tell our children what we expect of them, they will strive to achieve. There will be bumps along the way. By letting your child know you are always available to help, he'll be striving to work hard and do a good job.

Ways to develop and emphasize work ethic

1. Homework.

Since homework is a daily task, strive to have your child complete all of it, including the studying (which for some unknown reason, kids nowadays do not consider as "homework"). Explain that finishing the work completely in a reasonable amount of time leaves them free to pursue other interests.

2. Give them reasonable chores.

Part of being a family is the daily work of running a household. As soon as your child is able, let them participate. Most kids love to clean. More than anything, they love to please their parents. There's a definite sense of accomplishment for anyone who washes the car, cleans the kitchen floor, or folds a load of laundry. Let your children feel this sense of accomplishment and participation on a regular basis.

3. Take your child to your own work.

Parents have to work. Try taking your child to your own work. Explain that you have to report there during certain hours and exactly what you do each day. Not only does this let your child know were you spend your days, it also brings a better appreciation for the hard work of parents. This is a great time to explain that work is a part of every day, just like eating, sleeping and playing.

4. Praise successes.

Nothing keeps a child coming back for more than praise from Mom and Dad. Thank-you for a job well-done and big hugs for hard work are the key to encouraging your child to continue trying to please you. Praise builds up their self-esteem and encourages them to continue striving to do their best.

5. Fair share.

Make sure you provide a reasonable amount of tasks in relation to other family members, especially other children. The lesson from regular tasks is not to build resentment. It's to encourage your child to complete a task from start to finish.

6. Routine.

You might feel varying the weekly or monthly routine of tasks for your child is great. But check with your child first. Some kids just don't care for change very much. Kids like familiarity and it helps them to know exactly what parents expect from them.

7. Have your child choose his work.

Including a child in planning and doling out the family chores helps build their sense of responsibility. The get to have an active role in the home. This empowers them to look more positively at their own tasks and strive to complete them well.