Ken in the previous coffee shop you mentioned I was try to instill a work ethic in my grandsons. You are exactly right! My boys have life handed to them a silver platter, not to be confused with a sliver spoon. Thank you, the kudos are appreciated, but not why I do it.
My boys have everything they want and can think of. They don't just have one video game system, they have them all. They have PS4, PS3, Xbox One, 2 or 3 different latest Nintendo systems, computers, laptops, tablets and more. You name it they probably have it. They have so many games and gadgets they can't decide what to play with. Santa has plans to get them cell phones.
I want them to understand it takes hard work and commitment to get these things. I came from next to nothing and earned everything I have. I'm disabled now, but I don't get a dime from the government because I choose not to pay into Social Security when I was self-employed. I don't know where I would be if I had not worked hard and looked to the future. I cut my own way and I always have. My boys won't have to struggle as I did. The only way they can get this lesson is if I share it with them.
Other than national defense the only thing I can think of the government has done for me is the new Affordable Care Act. now the profiteering insurance companies can't deny me coverage due to preexisting conditions. Its not much help now because my health has stabilized, but It is nice to know if I have another extended stay in the hospital it won't bankrupt me.
Yesterday I worked my grandsons like rented mules. I told them "if you want to play like a big dog, you have to work like a big dog. Do nothing and you get nothing"
The yard looks great, the street is swept and the Baltimore Oriole Banner is perfectly hung on the porch rail. They learned a lesson doing that as well, "do it right or do it twice!"
The kitchen and bathrooms are clean. We even made dinner, a pork roast on the grill, mashed potatoes, gravy and steamed broccoli. They learned another lesson; there is no such thing as women's work, its all work, just get it done! If they earn the right to play games today in between we will do laundry. That's easy, the machines do most of the work.
They did great and they wore my old broken down butt out! Trying to set an example for them might have been too much for me. I think I pushed myself too hard because I had a bad night and I still am not feeling right, but it was worth it. I'll rest today. I will use this as another lesson; take good care of yourself or you will pay the price.
In between I had some errands to run and of course they went with me. They were pumped up, full of energy and got a bit rambunctious. I had to reign them in and made them sit on the floor next to my feet as I talked to the guy about new uniforms for our baseball team. I told them "I don't have any problem making an ass out of you both when you act stupid"
After all this their Mom's had to take them to soccer practice. While getting dressed and ready they stated acting like a couple of smart asses. They were full of pride in what they had accomplished. I was not up to teaching them a lesson at that point. I just told them to "shut your mouths and do what your told, show some respect to your mothers", they did. I also reminded them they will be with me again tomorrow. I told them to practice like I was the coach.
Today when their Moms drop them off to me I will teach them these lessons; humility and respect. When they ask to play with their games I will remind them of their disrespectful behavior. They can sweep the basement before they do anything fun. If they do it without whining then write an apology to their Moms I will let them have a play day. If they choose to whine, they will work all day, even if I have to make up work for them to do. I have a spot behind my shed they can dig a hole and than fill it back in. I'll make them grade the soil and plant new grass too!
My son-in-law is a veteran and he told my daughter "your dad is harder than the drill sergeant I had in boot camp." My oldest daughter is also a veteran and she told him "I know, that's why boot camp was easy for me, but daddy always told me he loved me"
I love my boys and never a day goes by that I don't tell them "I love you and I thank God for you". As soon as they see me they run to me and give me a big hug. They are getting so big and I am getting weaker, soon they will knock me down.
I believe most of our problems are self-inflicted and if you are having troubles all you have to do is to look in the mirror to find the cause. Crying, whining, complaining and making excuses never helped anybody. I never spank my kids, but I will work them like dogs!
I want my boys to know in life you are entitled to breath relatively clean air. The rest you have to earn.