As I recently discussed on my series Boys and Men, between the ages of 7 and 14 a boy greatly esteems his father and needs to learn his father's trade in a hands-on way.
"Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." John 5:17
However we live in an industrial society now. Papa no longer works on the homestead or a shop out back of the house. Papa goes somewhere - somewhere little boys and young men are not expected to go.
Let's challenge this notion! Just as women are standing up and fighting for their right to be homemakers and to stay home with their children and train them up right, so we must allow young boys to satisfy their souls along side their Papas!
"But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." Isa 64:8
As I suggested in my series Papa could take his sons to work for 15 minutes in the morning or evening, to help him get set up for the day or help him wrap things up in the evening before going home. In this post I want to offer some more specific ways that Papas with different sorts of jobs can take their children to work.
The Desk Job
If Papa is a lawyer, engineer or business executive he most likely falls into the "desk job" category. These Papas should bring their sons to work as often as they can for 15 minutes in the morning and evening.
In the morning the boys can get their Dad a cup of coffee, unpack his brief case, help him organize his schedule for the day, lay out his paper work, read off the headlines of the briefs he must go over for the day, etc. The boys should also be respectful and kind to his secretary. They should call her Ma'am and bring her the occasional trinket or treat. They should be taught to respect this woman and anyone else "under" their father.
Truck Driver
Depending on Papa's schedule this can be one of the easiest jobs to take a son to. I know a truck driver who brought his whole family with him on many of his cross country drives. When workable the sons can travel with their father once or twice per week. Get their muscles moving helping to unload those crates or boxes, you can bet they will sleep well when they get home!
Department, Grocery or Retail Store
Again, if your boss is OK with it, try the 15 minutes in the morning and evening routine. Boys can help sort stock, help Papa go over product orders and offer suggestions, put back returns or hang hangers. If the boss is not willing to let Papa take this time during work have Papa offer to work 15 minutes, three times per week with his sons off the clock.
Construction
Most sites aren't safe for younger guys but Papa can bring his son by a few times per week, after hours and explain what tools he uses and how they are constructing the building. The son can then see the progress his father is making.
If All Else Fails...
If it truly is impossible for Papa to include his son in any aspect of his work then include him in Papa's hobbies. Have them work on projects together such as repairing a car, maintaining the lawn, painting the house, going to chess club, cooking, fishing, etc.
Projects that they can work on together which have a start, middle and completion are important to develop a good work ethic in boys. The projects should take a while and require hard work (mental or physical).
In our family we go up and meet Papa at work for a picnic lunch when we can. Nykki helps to haul compost, dig holes, mix soil, etc. (for those who don't know Papa is a farmer)
I'd love to hear additional suggestions and real life stories! Please share!
