It’s strange to say this, but our children don’t get to see much real work. Mom or Dad sitting at a computer, or rushing off to a meeting is not something a young child can understand as “work.” Dad or Mom sweeping the floor with a broom is. We’re not going to change our world, nor should we, but I think we do need to make a conscious effort to get our children out to see “real things.”

Hard at work, the way the pioneers did it

Young children learn so much by simple imitation. I’m convinced that watching people do physical work is like food for their souls. That is especially true if the work is calm and steady, but construction sites, as we all know, can also be fascinating for children, and they may be very impressed by the workers they see. It’s all about “real.”

Children love to watch animals

I often marvel at the simple things that can hold a child’s attention. In a world filled with video games, movies, and thrills of all kinds, it’s important to find ways to let our children experience real things, too.

It doesn't take much to give a child an experience of something real