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Teaching children diligence falls into the “easier said than done” category. Reality discipline can help tremendously. Use this step-by-step lesson plan for teaching your children to be diligent.
Download the Free Lesson Plan Here
It had been a tough day. My husband was out of town, and all I wanted was for the kids to clean their rooms and do their chores. (Have you seen our printable chore charts?)
After sending the children BACK repeatedly with instructions to pick up toys, paper, and dirty clothes, I was VERY tired. I was watching the clock tick by without seeing much accomplished. My mind started a tirade that I could never vocalize:
How hard is it to pick up toys and put them in a box? Can’t they just do as they are told? They made this mess! I refuse to clean it up again. I could just haul everything to Goodwill. THAT would make cleaning easier. Right? I mean… what if I only did my jobs halfway?
I’m not sure if it was genius or desperation that planted the next idea.
A Life Lesson in Diligence
Dinner time was drawing near. A few recipes rolled to mind and then I settled on spaghetti. But this would be the most special spaghetti dinner ever.
I prepared the plates and called the children to the table. WATCH THE VIDEO for their reactions…
I left the meatballs completely frozen. The pasta sauce was straight from a jar. The spaghetti noodles? Dry and uncooked. But I did garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Their reactions were exactly what I hoped for. Total shock. I cannot believe I was able to keep a straight face!
As they listened, I explained why diligence was important. If I don’t complete my job… if I only cook halfway, they get a really gross dinner.
While they worked on their rooms again, I cooked a real meal of spaghetti and meatballs. But when they returned to the table, I had signs waiting to explain what the Bible says about being diligent and the definition of diligence.
We broke down the meaning behind Colossians 3:23 like this:
- And whatever you do – that means EVERYTHING
- Do it heartily – with all your effort; your absolute best; your whole heart
- As to the Lord and not to men – not because Mom says so; for God who wants me to do all things well
These pages stayed on the wall for several weeks to use as a reference (and I’ve made prettier ones for you in the free download below.)
What is Diligence?
Sometimes as adults, it can be hard to place a definition on a word. We plead with our children to be “diligent” but when they ask, “What does diligence mean?” we end up a stuttering mess.
Be prepared.
I have referred to the dictionary’s definition of diligence often:
constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken
But that has some big words for little minds. You can simplify the words in several ways. For instance:
- Finishing what you start to the best of your ability.
- Determined to a pay attention to details so the job is completed well.
If you child learns visually, this video will help.
More Ideas for Teaching Children Diligence
Maybe an uncooked meal seems unfair to you. There are lots of life lessons available for teaching your children diligence.
No rewards
If you have a reward system or offer an allowance for chores, never give rewards for an incomplete job. This one can sting if the incentive was a trip you personally wanted to take. So never use a reward you are not willing to forfeit. Following through is extremely important.
Toy jail
Have a rule that any toys left in the living area after bedtime will be placed in “toy jail” for one week. Our toys went into a laundry basket on top of the refrigerator. Unfortunately, I found that “out of sight was out of mind.” Toy jail was more meaningful when the children could see what they had lost.
Offer incentives
Encourage diligence by rewarding it. This might sound like a bribe but let’s be honest. Kids are more apt to try to apply new habits and thought processes when they have a goal to achieve.
If you child is motivated by charts, Character Badges offers a systematic approach to building character in our children. Available for ages 3 through 12, Character Badges sets include:
- laminated charts for obedience, disobedience, and consequences to outline expectations and goals;
- badges awarded to the child when they implement new qualities;
- and, a manual to guide you through using Character Badges in your home.
When you use discount code MEETPENNY10, you will save 10% off your purchase.
Lead by example
This is the hardest for me.
If you are telling your children to clean their rooms but your room is a disaster, they will assume a walking path is enough. If you ask for help doing the dishes but all your children see you do is unload the dishwasher, they will only complete half the job. You must be discipline to pursue diligence yourself if you want your children to follow.
Free Printable Diligence Lesson Plan
Download the Free Lesson Plan Here
More ideas for teaching diligence and other parenting tips:
- Summer Chore Charts by Meet Penny
- A Chore Chart for Young Children by Meet Penny
- Teaching Diligence with the Ant and the Grasshopper by Meaningful Mama
- When Our Kids Fight by Meet Penny
- Teaching Children Leadership with Chores by Meet Penny
- A Lesson in Diligence for Preschoolers by Bible Lessons for Preschoolers
- Challenges in Diligence by Steadfast Family
- The No-Cry Discipline Solution by Elizabeth Pantley Review by Meet Penny
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