Apprentices in the Making - Teaching Kids Life Skills

Have I ever told you how wonderful it is to be the mom of 6 kids?  Let me just say it is FUN!!!  There is never a dull (or quiet) moment.

Not only am I their mother and homeschool teacher, but I am also blessed with the opportunity to live vicariously through them and share with them all the things I love - one of which is being creative!  Kids are never too young to be taught life skills.  It is such a joy to see their face glowing after they have accomplished something, even the smallest task.  To know they did it themselves.

Each one of my children is their own person with a mix of my hubby's and my personalities (as well as grandparents too!).  Figuring out what makes them tick is a treasure hunt at its best.

One of the goals for me and my business is to offer my kiddos a chance to learn how to operate and run the business, hopefully giving them a step up in life.

My oldest and biggest helper as far as furniture is concerned is my son.  Not only does he help me stage photos and move our house around all.the.time., but he also helps retrieve and deliver furniture.  That can be a tough job for a 12 year old! But boy, am I glad I have some spare muscles with him around!

Aside from that, he is an artist and enjoys learning the trade of reviving a piece of furniture (be still my heart!).  Here is what he is working on...

Next in line is my 10 year old daughter.  She has an artists flair and once she gets into a creative mode she doesn't stop till it's completed.  Hmmm...that reminds me of someone...wink.wink.

Her first big project was this antique child's potty chair I was given. 

It definitely needed love.

With a little direction from me, she was able to turn it into a totally useful and beautiful planter.

The best part of it is that it sold in only a couple of hours.  Can I say I was a little excited for her?!  Woo hoo!

My next two girls are 8 and 6 years old.  Both are itching to paint and remake a piece of furniture.  

They help with all sorts of projects from removing drawer pulls from a dresser to being my cheerleaders while I'm creating some masterpiece.

The littlest guy is enjoying life to the full and loves to help out in any way that a four year old can.  Got icky contact paper lining your drawers?  I've got just the little man to remove it for you.  He can even take out drawer pulls and help pack a newly ordered item!

My baby girl is just hanging on to mama and livin' the good life.  Sigh....baby days go waaay too quickly.  She is so wiggly it's hard to take a picture!

Aside from the hands-on part of the work I do, my gang is also involved in learning photography, computer skills, and people skills, all of which are important aspects of a small business.

I will never shy away from encouraging my kids to join me in the venture I've taken.  What a glorious way to help them gain confidence in what they do and how to make it in this world. 

Will each one become a shop owner or be itching to take over my biz?  Probably not, but I would rather have them alongside me gaining ever so much more than they would standing behind a counter at a fast food restaurant.  Can I get an amen?

Until then, they are living childhood to the full and I'm ever so thankful that I have been so richly blessed.