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Teaching Kids Life Skills ~ Apprentices in the Making

Have I ever told you 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 am also blessed with the opportunity to live vicariously through them. Sharing the things I love is the best gift ever. Teaching kids life skills can be taught at any age. 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!

Young Boy Helping with Family Business | prodigalpieces.com

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…

Vintage table ready for makeover | prodigalpieces.com

GOOD TIMES

Next in line is my oldest daughter.  She has an artist’s 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.

Apprentices in the Making - Teaching Kids Life Skills by http://www.prodigalpieces.com

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

Apprentices in the Making - Teaching Kids Life Skills by http://www.prodigalpieces.com
Apprentices in the Making - Teaching Kids Life Skills by http://www.prodigalpieces.com

With a little direction from me, she was able to turn it into a totally useful and beautiful planter. Teaching kids is so fun!

Apprentices in the Making - Teaching Kids Life Skills by http://www.prodigalpieces.com
Apprentices in the Making - Teaching Kids Life Skills by http://www.prodigalpieces.com
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 both itching to paint and remake a piece of furniture.
Apprentices in the Making - Teaching Kids Life Skills by http://www.prodigalpieces.com
Apprentices in the Making - Teaching Kids Life Skills by http://www.prodigalpieces.com

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

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST

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!

Apprentices in the Making - Teaching Kids Life Skills by http://www.prodigalpieces.com

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 try to take time teaching my kids all facets of what we do.

However, I will never shy away from encouraging my kids to join me in the venture I’ve taken.  Additionally, 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?

Apprentices in the Making - Teaching Kids Life Skills by http://www.prodigalpieces.com
Until then, they are living childhood to the full and I’m ever so thankful that I have such blessings. Likewise, follow along with us on our life journey and be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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Also, more ways of teaching kids DIY skills:

Teaching my kids a trade - a long-lasting lesson in life skills by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comKids can DIY! It only takes a bit of time to get kids off their devices and creating their own projects. Come over to see how easy it can be. By Prodigal Pieces | prodiglapieces.com

Comments

  1. Kate Orr says

    Amen! 🙂

    Larissa – I totally agree with you. There are so many things children can learn to do -and to do well! – at a young age! We do our best to give them as many different opportunities as possible – from sewing, to cooking and baking skills, to money management, pet care, child care, community opportunities – a really endless list of possibilities!

    Thanks for sharing – I love the pics of the kids – especially that baby girl! My she has grown!

    Kelly (on my daughter, Kate’s, google account)

  2. Namely Original says

    Love what you’re doing with your kids! We have done the same thing and now our two oldest (18 and 16) are on a mission trip with money they earned themselves.It’s gratifying to know you’re making a huge impact in their lives!

  3. Rachelle Morris says

    I always love reading your blogs! They are so heartfelt and real and I love that most! The other side I love is the creativity and simplicity you inspire! Thanks for sharing! You are so blessed!

  4. Lorri Rauscher says

    It great that your children learn how to make trash into treasure. It is a gift to know how to fix things..great way to learn a new skill and make some money. Think how beautiful their rooms will look…then later their own homes…Sigh..I always have repurposed items and know I see my own sons doing it in their own homes. ?

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for getting why we do what we do. It’s such fun! 😀

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Larissa looks at things with fresh eyes, she problem solves creatively, and I love how she uses her "stash" of valuable "junk" in the process.

What attracted me to Prodigal Pieces at first was the business name. What kept me interested is her opening up to share her life with her readers. She shares her beautiful creativity, has tutorials in her blog and takes what was old and makes it new again. I have several of her beautiful pieces decorating my home.

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~ Deborah

What attracted me to Prodigal Pieces at first was the business name. What kept me interested is her opening up to share her life with her readers. She shares her beautiful creativity, has tutorials in her blog and takes what was old and makes it new again. I have several of her beautiful pieces decorating my home.
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