The Meanings and Blessings of Family Work (Chapter 21)

My dad grew up on a farm and he was raised to work very hard and learned the importance of hard work and dedication not only as an individual but as a family also. So as a little kid, I learned the importance of hard work and what it takes. For example, as a family, ever since we were little, we would all work in the yard on hot and sunny Saturday mornings from 8am until 3pm or until we were done. Although, I grew to dread and hate Saturday's and I also hated yard work more than anything, I also grew to learn how to work really hard not only by myself but we also learned how to work hard as family by working together as a team and finish the job until it is done. 

How family work benefit children and kids? The text states that "At every age, children respond best when working alongside parents or other children, but even when they work alone, they benefit form the experience." (Bahr, Manwaring, Loveless, & Bahr, 2012, p. 221). The text also states that "Young children want to help, and working with them can be fun. But as they mature and become more capable, they are influenced by the wider culture to avoid family work." (Bahr, Manwaring, Loveless, & Bahr, 2012, p. 220). Even as a grew older I still was taught the exact same principles of hard work that I was taught when I was younger, because throughout life you have to work just as hard at anything you do. Hard work teaches kids discipline, motivation, determination, respect, responsibility, and love. I truly believe and testify that hard work brings families closer together and to the Savior. 

"One of parents’ most important responsibilities is to teach their children to work. Even young children can begin to experience the benefits of working when they are involved in household chores and in service to others. Wise parents will work alongside their children, will provide frequent praise, and will make sure no task is overwhelming. Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success." (Bishop H. David Burton). 

In our world today, during stormy economic times, surely the commandment to work is among the commandments the Lord is prepared to help us keep. I think this is why family work is so important because it brings families closer together and closer to the Savior and I can truly testify of that through my own experiences. 

References:

• Bahr, K. S., Manwaring , K., Loveless, C., & Bahr, E. B. (2012). The Meanings and Blessings of Family Work. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 213-224). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
• Burton, H. D. (2009, December). The Blessing of Work - Ensign Dec. 2009 - ensign. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/ensign/2009/12/the-blessing-of-work?lang=eng