Many teens today consider "work" a bad, four-letter word. They may say, "What do you mean work? Isn't my job to goof off and have fun? Aren't you supposed to support me until my second child arrives? You are the parents; you must work, but not me. I'm still finding myself."

When teens don't learn how to work at an early age, they are unable to hold a job when it is time to earn a living. Kids may have trouble with the boss/employer relationship. They are unable to give a full day's work for a day's pay. They believe the world owes them a living and they surely should not need to break a sweat. These attitudes cause many teens a whole array of problems.

Little children should have jobs or chores to do. The smallest child can help set the table, pick up toys, and help feed pets. When they get older they can wash dishes, make beds, dust furniture, help with outside lawn jobs. When still older they can mow the lawn or run the vacuum, maybe wash the family car. Whatever you expect them to do needs to be age and ability appropriate. Giving kids an allowance is fine since it teaches a return of money for work. It should not be given for jobs that are unnecessary. Kids should not be paid for things we expect like going to school, doing homework, or taking a shower. They should be paid immediately when they have finished that chore. Kids should meet realistic standards of perfection.

Children who receive an allowance for a job well done usually have good self-esteem. They feel happy they were able to successfully complete a task. They are proud of being helpful. We want to instill these things in our kids, so start early.

Encourage kids to complete whatever job they start. Working teaches responsibility and the fact that someone is in charge and someone else must do the work. This is very helpful as they reach adolescence.

When your child becomes a teenager, often they will begin to ask for rather expensive items. This is a good time to start to teach the work ethic if you haven't beforehand. Explain that your budget cannot accommodate everything on your teen's wish list. Tell them if they want these things, they will need to find a way to make some money. If they are on the young end of the spectrum suggest babysitting or lawn mowing. Older teens need to investigate the possibility of a part-time job.

Set down the rules about working. The job cannot be too many hours, so it leaves little time for homework or social life. They need to be able to get themselves there if possible. I still highly recommend that you drive them if that is the only way they can work. If they earn money, they can help pay for gas. Their grades must not slip and they must find time to still engage with family and friends. You may also need to adjust curfew to allow them time for socializing.

The first job is always exciting and will be a true learning experience. The child who has learned the work ethic young will do much better at his job. Employers expect kids to work if they pay them. They are right in assuming a teen will show up for work and on time. It is perfectly okay for kids to ask for occasional time off their scheduled hours if it is done according to the employer's policy.

Kids must learn you must work if you want to eat. Teens need to know when you are at work, you work. That means don't fool around, visit with your friends, or hang on the business phone. Tell your kids the boss is in charge. When someone pays you money, you follow his or her instructions. Kids must show people in charge respect and do what they are told.

I also want parents to realize that unfortunately, there are unscrupulous employers out there. Working minors have certain rights. You should know the laws for your state. Kids can usually not work more than a specific amount of hours. There are certain times they are not allowed to work, which was designed with your child's safety in mind. Also prohibited are certain types of machinery and jobs for kids. If you feel your child is being exploited or treated unfairly by an employer, contact the child labor law office.

One of the best ways to teach a healthy work ethic is to show by example that you believe in hard work. Work hard at your own job. Don't take advantage of your employer and treat them with respect. Be punctual for your job and don't play hooky from work.

At an early age, teach kids all work is useful and meaningful. Don't elevate one job over another by being demeaning to people. You can talk about all work as honorable.

Help kids find their skills and talents in extra-curricular activities and they will start to develop good work skills as well. When they express interest in a job, locate an opportunity for them to actually see that job and talk to the worker. If possible, collect as much information as you can about different careers your teens are interested in. Most school guidance rooms have a wide array of books and tests to find information about and aptitude for certain careers. Encourage kids to try many things while young so they begin to decide what will be a good job in their mind and build up self-esteem. Everyone should follow their dreams whenever possible. A rewarding, satisfying job will outweigh one where great sums of money are made, but the employee is unhappy. Often, there are ways to experience the best of both worlds.

If you have a teen that likes to work, congratulate them on the great attitude. If you have one that shirks responsibilities, hates hard work, and feels the world should just take care of him; you need to instill a good work ethic in him now. Tell him, life is very hard for those who don't willingly work.

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel