Scrubbing the Stairs Built a Work Ethic that is Priceless…NOW.

You probably have a story or two like mine growing up. Picture this. It is a Saturday. A day that any kid would believe should be spent sleeping in, homework free, and yours to fill as you saw fit. In my childhood, that was not the case. Rather, we were told to grab your sister, head to the apartment building, and scrub the stairs. No, there wasn't a machine, a mop, or even a Swifter. What we had was a bucket filled with warm water and liquid soap. Our tool? Our elbow grease and a rag.  

Growing up, our grandparents held firm that each child needed to be responsible for doing chores. Not just the normal chores that mom and dad assigned us at home which included, washing the dishes, setting the table, picking up after ourselves but stuff for them too.

As children we didn't understand how the simple act of scrubbing the stairs, all 23 of them, on our hands and knees and a platform at the top held a lesson in there. Every week! It didn't feel like a lesson but rather free labor. Or so we thought.

Now, with grandchildren of our own, it's easy to see that there was a unique and cherished thread that our grandparents weaved, imparting wisdom, love, and sometimes the most unforgettable lesson. These lessons we thought were just "things we had to do" were really instilling responsibility in our lives and ended up being a cornerstone for our growth and development. This "job" ended up being a transformative experience for us, not that we had any idea at the time. It shaped our character, enhanced our sense of responsibility, and even strengthened the bond between my sister and myself that tied us together. What is that saying? Misery loves company…

So why am I talking about this? Because we owe it to our grandkids to help them develop their own self-reliance, integrity, and a strong work ethic. I don't know about your family, but my daughter-in-law doesn't make her bed, let alone expect my grandchild to do his. Let's see how we can help them learn. As a bare minimum, cleaning their bedroom and making their beds every morning should be the foundation that other responsibilities should build upon. What about the communal spaces? Dishwasher vs hand washing doesn't mean they can't empty or even fill it. Though seemingly mundane, this task teaches them the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment for themselves and others. It's a practical lesson in the impact of their actions on the family, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their contributions. Moreover, it nurtures their ability to manage tasks, prioritize their time, and understand the satisfaction of a well-done job. Obviously, make it age specific and verbal rewards should be at a minimum. Doing the task, because it's their responsibility, should be its own reward. Wow, I am beginning to sound like a Hallmark Card. 

Would I recommend the task such as stair scrubbing in a house with a cleaning lady every week? Maybe not. How about picking up the dog poo in the yard every day? Or taking the garbage cans to/from the curb? Remind their parents too that through this responsibility, the kids will encounter challenges, solve problems, and see the tangible results of their efforts. This process is invaluable in boosting their confidence. It also instills in them virtues like perseverance, patience, and humility, shaping them into well-rounded individuals.

The act of working together on household chores, with my sisters, yes, scrubbing the stairs, allowed us priceless moments for the exchange of stories, wisdom, and laughter, making the work feel lighter and more enjoyable.

So, what about you? What memories do you have about the chores you were responsible for? What do you see your grandkids doing because they are part of the family? What can you incorporate into their lives?

Remember, the simple act of giving our grandchildren responsibilities like scrubbing the stairs will go far beyond the immediate benefit of clean stairs. These early experiences of responsibility will lay the groundwork for their future success, character development, and strengthening of their family bonds. So, let's guide and support them through these crucial tasks. By doing so, we help them grow into responsible and capable adults and pass on a legacy of love, wisdom, and the value of hard work. Something special to leave behind.