A: Perhaps the best way to “tell” your child about workplace expectations is to “show” him. Take him to work with you one day, or set up a day for him to job shadow in the career field of his choice. Give him every opportunity to see, firsthand, that work is not about standing around the water cooler and telling jokes or drinking coffee in the lounge all day. Sure, work can and should be fun at times. We all should enjoy our life’s work! But work is work, and that is why we get paid! You can also start teaching him skills like punctuality, responsibility, listening, honesty, integrity, and working with other people at an early age. At every level, employers these days are demanding people who can think and learn. Provide an environment at home for him to be responsible. Provide opportunities for him to learn and think creatively, and talk to him with a positive attitude about the hallmarks of success in the workplace. As a parent, you have the greatest influence on your child’s work attitude, so be positive but be realistic!

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