Dad's Maxims on Work

One of my favorite things about my family working together to build our new garden beds a few weeks ago, was the chance to watch Brett teaching the kids about work. Not just by example or by having them participate, but by sharing some of the lessons his old construction boss, Nick Walters, taught him years ago while building houses.


1) Never move less than a full shovelful of dirt.

2) Use your brain before you use your back.

3) Only move something once.

I loved this! There is a real art to teaching children not just to work, but to work hard and effectively. Our world doesn't often provide the same opportunities of labor that it has in the past. How important is it, then, to create opportunities for them to learn these skills. They need to understand the joy and satisfaction that come from a tired body and a goal accomplished. As Brett's Grandpa Sampson used to say "I'm raising men, not pets."