The Pioneer Spirit: Where Has It Gone?

Thanksgiving Day is upon us...or it will be in a few days.

We love to watch the Peanuts Thanksgiving videos - what a cute little group of Pilgrims!  The children all survived the trip and outlived many of the adults that first winter.  They had to perform chores and tasks that kept the colony alive while the adults were ailing.  They were amazing!

Then there are my children, who can't survive without technology for 5 minutes...

When I think about pioneer families - they obviously survived without iPads...but that was just it.  They were geared toward survival.  Oh yeah - and there was no electricity.  In today's culture, children don't have to tote water, chop and haul firewood, or feed the livestock twice a day.  In fact, they have very few responsibilities.  Moreover, we moms and dads have added extra work to our loads so our beloved children can participate in sports, art programs, or whatever area we think they might excel in.

Now that's something, isn't it?  We have done a total about-face.  We have gone from giving responsibility to children in order for a family to survive, to an age where there is no more struggle for survival.  There is no longer any need for children to serve or help their families.  In fact, if we are honest with ourselves, we have created a new culture where we serve our children.

They graduate high school not knowing how to cook, or clean, or wash their own laundry.  They do not know how to balance a checkbook, maintain a bank account, or hold a steady job.  They are used to everything being done for them, as they are the highest good.  We want the best for our kids, and we have given it to them...to their detriment.

Let's turn over a new leaf.  Start something revolutionary.  

Let's teach our kids what real life is about.

Day by day, week by week.

They can learn how to clean their own clothes, run a dishwasher, earn money and use it wisely.  They will develop a sense of pride, knowing they can do "grown-up" things.  You will appreciate the lightened work load.  Training them may take time, but it will have a big payoff in the end.  Capable, responsible adults.

Then you can say:   You're welcome, world!