150 years ago in the cities of the United States there were kids working in the streets and the factories to help earn money enough for food and keep for their families.

Instead, in 21st Century America, the usual monetary concerns are if the parents will be buying their kids a new iPhone or the newest PlayStation....or Both. Times have changed, ......and for the better.

BUT HAS ALL THE PROGRESS BEEN POSITIVE??

I spent an hour tonight when I got home from work giving my 3 boys a lesson in snow removal, fair market value and hard work. It snowed about 6-8 inches in the last 12 hours and school is canceled tomorrow.

So I asked my boys if they want to earn some money.

They said "yes".

The oldest is less than 14 years old....so some people may frown on letting these guys go to work tomorrow morning. But I still believe hard work and earning money and saving up are skills all kids ought to learn.

Anyway....this post is gonna be shorter than I planned. It is almost midnight already and we are planning to wake up at 5:30AM to see if it has stopped snowing. If it has, by 6:15 we plan to be outside getting started.

The boys are going to start by clearing the sidewalk up our one block street. If anyone asks them to clear the front steps and driveway then they can earn some money!

What are your thoughts?

I know the homesteaders out there teach their children to join in and help with the chores. Nothing like 19th century stuff, but on a real farm....everyone helps out.

Please chime in with your thoughts, experiences and even ridicule...just back it up with a clear justification.

I want to hear it all!!

Thanks and wish us luck!
Peace!