Let’s talk about a hard truth: we’re raising kids who can’t handle life. I know, that sounds harsh, but look around. We’ve created a society where kids get trophies for showing up, gold stars for existing, and screens to pacify them when life gets a little tough. And then we wonder why they grow up fragile, entitled, and unable to cope with real challenges.
It’s time to bring back something radical—chores. Work. Responsibility. Because here’s the thing: life isn’t always easy, and if we don’t teach kids how to handle hard things now, the world is going to teach them later, and it won’t be kind about it.
I see it every day on the farm. My kids aren’t handed a gold star for collecting eggs or hauling water buckets. They don’t get to skip their chores because they “don’t feel like it.” And no, they’re not walking around miserable because of it. Quite the opposite. They’re learning that their actions matter. That the chickens don’t get fed unless someone feeds them. That the garden doesn’t thrive unless someone pulls the weeds. And those lessons? They build resilience. They teach resourcefulness. They create humans who can face challenges head-on instead of crumbling the moment life gets messy.
When did we decide that protecting kids from struggle was the best way to love them? Because let me tell you, struggle isn’t the enemy. Struggle is where growth happens. It’s where kids learn that they’re capable of more than they thought. That they can solve problems, adapt to setbacks, and push through discomfort.
The truth is, handing kids everything on a silver platter doesn’t build character—it builds entitlement. And it’s not just about making them “help around the house.” It’s about teaching them that they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Whether it’s a family, a farm, or a community, being needed and contributing is what gives life meaning. Participation trophies don’t do that. Chores do.
I know some of you are thinking, “But kids need to be kids! They should be playing, exploring, having fun!” And I agree. But you know what? Work and play aren’t opposites. They’re partners. The satisfaction of finishing a chore and then running off to climb a tree or ride a bike is a joy that kids don’t experience when their lives are handed to them on a silver screen.
Let’s be real: video games and endless screen time aren’t making kids happy. They’re making them passive, disconnected, and dependent. The same goes for helicopter parenting, over-scheduling, and trying to shield kids from every bump in the road. What they need isn’t more bubble wrap—it’s more dirt under their nails, more responsibility, and more opportunities to discover just how much they’re capable of.
So, let’s ditch the participation trophies and bring back the grit. Teach kids to plant a garden, fix a fence, or wash the dishes without expecting applause. Give them the chance to earn pride in their own work, to feel the satisfaction of contributing to something meaningful. Because at the end of the day, life isn’t about showing up—it’s about showing up and making a difference.
Until next time,
Traci
