The POWER of the Money-Maker

The Lawn Mower = Essential equipment to teenage boys earning money. 

Broken Lawn Mower = Empty Pockets

Taking it to the Shop = Even Emptier Pockets

Fixing it Yourself = Knowledge, Self-Reliance, Money Saved

When the lawn mower is broken, there are two unhappy boys at our house, for the lawn mower is their "money-maker". Unfortunately, it broke down this month, and they fretted for a bit. However, they turned their fretting into positive action; got out the manual, discovered the part they needed, ordered it online, waited not-so-patiently for it to arrive in the mail, and installed the part. 

Fixing the "Money-Maker"

Ta-da! Working lawn mower for $18.62, including shipping.Congratulations, boys. Way to take action and solve the problem!

Self-Reliant:relying on oneself or on one's own powers, resources, etc.

www.dictionary.com

Self Reliance applies to so many areas in our lives: finances, employment, education, preparation, skills, hobbies, health, food, and home-maintenance, just to name a few. Teaching our children the valuable principle of building and strengthening self-reliance will serve them well right now AND in the future.

A few ideas for encouraging self-reliance:

1. Provide a way, help find a way or encourage a way to earn money based on hard work and performance, not a free ride. Encourage financial discipline and long-term savings. See our Money Management System for a tool to assist with financial success.

2. Value education and encourage hard work and diligence in studying. When children do well in school (providing the ability to get scholarships to college), they are actually getting PAID to do their homework. Instill this philosophy in your child at a young age. Teach them to search out scholarships and apply for everything they can find so they can go to college debt-free.

3. Give your child the opportunity to prepare meals. This not only assures that he won't starve when he leaves home, but educates about food costs, nutrition, and health-management.

4. Involve children in projects around the house and learning new skills. A friend of mine told me about fixing her washing machine with her teenage son, saving hundreds of dollars in repair costs. He is now blessed with that knowledge to help his future family or someone else in need.

5. When looking for employment as a teenager, search out jobs that provide a skill and a learning opportunity. One boy we know works for a construction company and is learning welding skills. Another boy works for a landscaper and is learning to install sprinkler systems. One friend cleans buildings with her parents. These are skills that can be utilized for the rest of their lives!
6. Look for classes available in your area that teach unique skills. My second son took a small engine repair class this summer, learning the ins and outs of mower repair, maintenance and tuning. Now he has the knowledge and ability to earn money performing these services.

7. Hard work leads to more opportunities because hard work is recognized and spoken of. A strong work ethic is DEVELOPED. Start when they're young and have high, but realistic expectations.

8. Be an example of the principles you want your children to embrace!

They may not have super hero powers, but as we "Stick-to-it", our children will be able to rely on their own powers and resources to bless their lives and those around them. 

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!