[sangnoir]

> Things have to get done

Is homework not inadequate to teach this lesson? Kids are not dumb.

There's a pervasive stench of Calvinism in American work culture, even among atheists. There's nothing sanctifying about work, insomuch as it is a good (or bad) thing to teach kids its importance by having them clock in.

Using children as a backup labor force due to an adult worker shortage is - as the kids call it - yucky.

[seanmcdirmid]

Maybe if I went to a more challenging school (I was already a straight A student who did all homework in class) I might not have needed a full time job during High School to drill some work ethic into me?

And I think a lot of people saying kids shouldn't work during school didn't have poor parents and the problems those conditions create if you can't take your destiny into your hands before that magical 18th birthday when you can do anything you want.

[mathgladiator]

Does homework have to get done? Like, really?

Growing up, the yard had to be done weekly. I did it, got paid, and I was able to walk to the store and buy shit. Work when done well is gratifying.

The way we think about jobs sucks...

[sangnoir]

> Work when done well is gratifying.

As are hundreds of other things[1] we don't try to indoctrinate[2] our kids with. Work is not special and doesn't make one "whole" more than the other potentially gratifying tasks. I say this as someone who enjoys their current job, but I've worked in other less enjoyable jobs (that incidentally pay less and harsher work environments)

2. Expect children to perform at the same level as fully grown adults, but perhaps with fewer hours

1. Sports, math, games, gardening, sex, most hobbies, repairs, etc.