It takes a long time to grow children tall enough to do the hard jobs like cleaning the garage, taking care of the lawn and putting a brake job on the van.  But you have to teach them to work, and have them work all the days of their lives even before they are old enough to make a big impact in your work load.   Otherwise, what you end up with is tall, old sloths, who don’t know how to work and don’t care.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Do we withhold food for not doing chores?  No.  We just feed them after the work is done.   Common sense, not harsh punishment.

Proverbs 14:4
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

We have had our barn full of oxen for so long, I don’t even have a dim memory of what it’s like to clean the house on Saturday… and have it stay.that.way.

But, you have to appreciate the flip side of that verse.  The strength part.

My older three have been absent from the home due to work obligations, a lot lately.  I have to say, I really am missing the strength.  I mean, Cannonball Jack helped me get out the Christmas tree in a box.  (yes it’s artificial, we have allergies)  (and we’re cheap)  But I had to wait for four days before the tall children were available to put the lights on the outside of the house.  (it was totally worth it, The Cap’n went up on the roof and did a famous job)  (but that’s not the point, the point is)  I had to wait. No, that can’t be the point.  Many hands make light work. That’s the point.

Now it’s your turn.  Share your helpful hints and practical tips for raising a large family.  Write your Help for Growing Families post and link here with my Mister Linky.  For more details click here.

Since Mister Linky was misbehaving last week, please feel free to link your post for this week AND your post from last week.

And, by the way, please feel free to link two or more posts each week.  We need all the help we can get and I promise we will all read how ever many good ideas you post. 

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Related posts:

1. The Plan – part 4 – Housecleaning and Philosophy