by Bruce Helmer, President of Wealth Enhancement Group

You teach kids the joy of work by first enjoying work yourself. If you don’t, it’s probably time to change jobs. Your kids need to see you excited about your own work and life. Your everyday actions speak far louder than any serious sit-down discussion about work and money, no matter how carefully and artfully you choose your words.

I also believe you should teach your kids that in whatever they do, work or play, they should put all their energy into it. If they are playing, play hard. If they are studying, study hard. If they are laughing, laugh hard. Live life to the brim. It’s a lesson they’ll learn from you long before they earn their first paycheck. One of the greatest benefits of extracurricular activities—whether drama, music, or sports—is learning the value, the joy, and the rewards of hard work. It is, however, up to you to keep values, joys and rewards balanced, and to be sure your children are pursuing their goals, not yours.

Finally, let your kids experience the joys of work—overcoming obstacles, enjoying the “I did that” of a finished project—by including them in work around the house. Kids are usually delighted to help, and they love praise for their part in a completed project. Help children and offer explanations as needed, but don’t do their work for them. Kids don’t learn academically if you do their homework for them. And they don’t get the self-satisfaction, sense of achievement and sense of responsibility of having done a task themselves if you are doing all the work. I can think of nothing more likely to give your children self-confidence than achieving a goal themselves and enjoying the fulfillment of completing a task—and experiencing the swell of pride from receiving parental praise.