What specific things should parents do to foster a strong work ethic & love of learning in their children?

Question

How early would you start and exactly what would you do.

Answer 1

THIS IS LONG BUT REALLY WORTH READING!

I'll try to keep this as short as I can...

1. start as young as possible. If your child is still an infant, get yourself into good habits. Be what you want your child to be- because that's what happens, your kids really will grow up to be just like you and your spouse. SET A GOOD EXAMPLE! If you want your child to care about what's happening in the world- get into the habit of watching CNN. If there's something interesting in the news, share it with your child. Kids are naturally curious.

2. Many parents go to work for 8-10 hours a day and think that is a good example of work ethic for their kid: it's not. Kid's don't understand how hard you actually work unless they see it and do it themselves. When I was a kid, I thought my dad was so lucky to go to his huge office that always had fresh bagels and doughnuts and I had to be in school. When he took me to Daughter to Work day and had me helping him with his job for all 10 hours I really understood why he came home exhasted some nights! You need to SHOW your kid how hard you work, not just tell them or expect them to understand. Kids also need a lot of reminding-even the smartest ones.

3. Nurture, Nurture, Nurture! Make learning a fun and exciting thing that you do together. You can do many fun educational activities together- here is a small list of things I enjoyed doing with my parents:
1. Home science kits. You can find these almost any where- national geographic even has a series of them at Target. I loved, loved, loved doing science exparements when I was a kid (and ended up majoring in Biochemistry in college- coincedience? I think not)
2. Read to your child. It doesn't matter if it's Harry Potter, Goosebumps, Award winning children's books- whatever interestes your kid.
3. Rent/tivo good documentaries.

4. Teach them how rewarding it is to get good grades.
One system my parents used were those old fashioned star stickers. If I got anything below an 80% I got no sticker. 80-85 I got a blue sticker, 85-90 green, and so on. If I got 100% I got a silver sticker and if I got extra credit I got a gold sticker. Each color sticker was worth points-Gold being the highest. My parents would set up activities worth different amounts of points. Going to the movies cost less points than going to the water park, etc. If I got mostly A's and saved my points, I got to go to Disney land. By God I worked hard and saved my points and we went. The reason my parents used activities instead of toys was so I could also learn about money.

5. Reward your kid for a job well done- don't reward your kid for something they are expected to do. If your child keeps his room clean- good for him. If he goes out of his way to re-organize his desk (which you might want to suggest) reward him with money. Your child will learn that he benefits from really working hard at things and not just stopping at the basics. Once you start suggesting things to do as extras, he'll start finding things to do on his own. When I was 14, my parents would pay me if I had dinner made for them when they got home and would tip me if I cleaned up my mess. I was a mini Martha Stewart before I was even in HS. I even went out of my way to clean up dog poop because I really wanted an expensive pair of shoes.

It doesn't matter if you have money to blow on your child- don't spoil them. Buy them enough to keep them content and make them work for anything extra. It's not child abuse to only buy them two video games or stop after buying two dolls.

Make it a way of life for your whole family- not just something you focus on when it comes to your child. Step up your game- so to speak- you'll benefit from just doing that.

A few intereting things about my life to prove that you grow up to be like your parents:

My dad bought his first house at 19- I bought mine at 20
Both of my parents used to read at night before bed- I read in bed most nights and now my 21mo old daughter plays with books more than any of her toys.
My dad and a friend started a business. Curious- I married a business owner and after studying Biochemistry in college, I ended up going into business for myself.
Both of my parents don't go out with friends they much, they prefer to stay in. Now that I'm married I find myself doing the same.

Good luck!

Answer 2

By example is the best way to teach your children. Do you like to read? Please start reading to your children every day/or night and show interest in what you are reading, if they are young. Let them see you with a book or magazine in your hands, with you reading it upon occasion-like once a week or so. Take them children to places lke a museum, the zoo, the park, different exhibits of different kinds. By you showing an interest in learning about these things, they will want to learn as well. Allow yourself to be excited on some things you learn. Start doing this about age 3 yrs. and up. A strong work ethic? Again, by example. If mom is a stay at home mom-that is good. By her getting up, taking care of the children and their needs, some wants, etc. that is showing how to be caring of others. Housework, cooking, they see that example daily. As they get old enough, age 3 yrs. or 5 yrs. or 10 yrs. etc., have them help wash the dishes, set the table for dinner, keep their rooms clean. Take the garbage out (10 yrs. for garbage). Do vacuuming once a week. An allowance would also be a big help for the chores. 3 yr. old, 50 cents per week, 10 yrs old, 5 dollars per week. And, depending on what all they do to help around the house. Age 13/14 can help mow the lawn. Again, pay for the job. Seeing dad get up and go to work every day during the week, is a good way to see and teach the strong work ethic. If mom needs to work outside the home, that is a good example as well. I wish you the best. Take care.

Answer 3

Reading to a child, then encouraging them to read once they are able to do so on their own. Teaching them to question things and answering questions they have honestly, there is no better way to learn then to ask questions. Exposing them to different activities and cultures.
A strong work ethic comes from starting young and teaching them to take pride in their work. Give them chores and praise them for doing them to the best of their ability. If you constantly tell a child they aren't doing good enough eventually they will not put any effort into it.

Answer 4

Raising a smart and hard-working child starts before they are born. When children are still in the womb, they can hear adults voices well enough to recognize their mother's voice by birth. Mother and father alike should speak to their children before birth, and the mother should do everything she can to remain healthy (avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, eating well, etc.). Upon birth, immerse your child with information and sensory/cognitive stimulation. Encourage the child to play with toys like building blocks and musical toys that encourage thinking instead of passive entertainment like television. READ to your children as often and as early as possible. Children who learn to read earlier tend to do better in school than their peers. Provide as much social interaction for the child (even as a baby) with close family, extended family, and strangers (when safe).
When a child is old enough to walk and talk, make sure that he or she has all the opportunities to learn. Satisfy the child's curiosity as much as you can. Don't spoil your kids. Teach them that they cannot always have what they want and the difference between wants and needs. Show your kids that they reap benefits when they work hard. Emphasize the difference between right and wrong and teach your kids good decision-making skills. When disciplining, note the difference between bad behavior and a "bad child". If your son pulls his sister's hair, don't just say "Bad boy!" and leave it at that. Tell him that it's not right and why hurting others is bad.

Teach the golden rule and always encourage your kids to do their best in school, not just because you told them to but because it will benefit them now and in later life.

Answer 5

It occurs to me that punishing children with work acts against developing a work ethic. If work is a punishment why would a child want to work hard out of free will? Work is a privalage and a service.

Answer 6

Have a strong work ethic and love of learning themselves.

Answer 7

Start reading to your children almost from birth. Then, make learning important in your home. Do you spend money on video games, or books? Where your dollars go is where your heart is . . .

Answer 8

There is an excellent book called "Nuture By Nature" you can get it used on amazon.com. Every parent should have a copy because each child is different in their approach.

Answer 9

start young, they will take an interest in what you do. If you have a love of reading and you pass that on by reading to them, they will carry that habit with them.

Answer 10

model these behaviors and praise your child when they do them