Teach Them to Work (Mary Beeke)

Teach Them to Work

Building a Positive Work Ethic in Our Children

Do your children exhaust you? Have you found yourself finishing their chores because it’s, well, easier than getting them to do them? If so, this book will give you new energy, and your household new harmony. This book will help your children develop a good work ethic.

Mary Beeke, healthcare professional, educator, and mother first helps you absorb parenting principles and then gives you practical principles to bring clarity to roles in your home. Mary breaks down the principles into manageable chunks so whether you want a reflective study to bring radical change in your life, or just need a shot in the arm, she has you covered.

Table of Contents:

Introduction: How Work Began

PART 1: Parental Principles

• 1) Work is Good for Kids
• 2) Foundations
• 3) It’s in the Atmosphere
• 4) Subdue Their Will to Set Them Free
• 5) Turn Over the Reins
• 6) Custom Training
• 7) Together Time
• 8) Don’t Spare for Their Crying
• 9) Praying and Thinking
• 10) Monitor Screen Time

PART 2: Practical Principles

• 11) Good No Matter What
• 12) Work Is What We Do
• 13) Let’s Go!
• 14) With All Your Might
• 15) Work Smart
• 16) Overcome Obstacles
• 17) Time Is a Treasure
• 18) Take Care of Your Stuff
• 19) Follow Your Talents
• 20) Natural Consequences
• 21) Enjoy the Good of Your Labor
• 22) Enjoy Your Labor
• 23) Rest and Perfect Work

About the Author

Mary Beeke is the mother of Calvin, Esther, and Lydia. She has served as a registered nurse and an elementary teacher and has an M.A.T. in learning disabilities from Calvin College.

Endorsements

“This book is written by a mother who has seen it all. I doubt you’ve ever read a book with such a gold mine of real-life situations and practical suggestions for teaching your children to work. Mary identifies the objectives and troubleshoots the problems of teaching your children to be faithful workers. You will find that she comes as a fellow struggler in the task, sharing her own mistakes and misconceptions. All her practical advice, however, rests on the firm foundation of the theology of work. She builds her advice from the treasury of the Word of God. Like a good Puritan, she delivers the doctrine and then explains the practices of training your children to work.”

— Scott Brown and Deborah Brown, Church and Family Life

“Mary Beeke has written a remarkable book on the privilege and art of raising children. It is theological, practical, insightful, helpful, and a delight to read. As I turned the pages, I felt as though I was reading from a Reformed or Puritan classic on the family that had been re-crafted by the pen of a contemporary writer and made accessible to all. I recommend this work without reservation not only to parents but also to their children. This is a wonderful gift to the family and the church! May it be read far and wide.”

— Paul Washer, director, HeartCry Missionary Society

“Mary Beeke has given Christian parents a book that offers biblical, wise, clear, and practical counsel. This book helps parents inculcate godly work habits that offer satisfaction in meaningful, God-pleasing labor. I recommend it as a unique aid for the discipleship of children.”

— Daniel M. Doriani, professor of theology and vice president, Covenant Theological Seminary