Feeling Needed Part 2, "A Lesson from the Farm"

One of the things I love about the traditional old-fashioned farm family is that everyone in the family had a clear responsibility and thereby everyone contributed to the family.  Yes, the benefits of family were still to be had…this is not an either/or proposition.  However, a big responsibility was laid on the shoulders of everyone in the farm family and so everyone knew without a doubt that he/she was needed.  

Tammy and I have always been sensitive to helping our 4 boys feel a sense of responsibility to our family rather than what we see too often, kids who only expect from their family.  In other words we're fighting against the American epidemic of consumerism and entitlement.  In fact, these "american values" not only threaten the well-being of our children they're at the root of our struggle to disciple Christ-followers.

There seems to be a big hole in American families when it comes to any real sense of unity, team work, and kids feeling needed.  As a parent, what responsibilities, roles, and chores have you given to your children?  Are you making adjustments and adding responsibility as they grow older?  Children need to feel needed and they also need to learn all the lessons that accompany significant responsibilities (i.e. new skills, work ethic, character, cooperation, thankful attitude.)