God has entrusted to you the stewardship of your home and children. The cultivation of a work ethic is, in itself, a daily work. When your attitude and vision are right, all that remains is the work of faithful training — reminding your children to pick up their clothes, wash the dishes without complaint, keep their rooms clean, and complete their chores thoroughly.

That kind of training wasn’t necessarily my favorite part of mothering, but in hindsight it was one of the most vital. The habits, the chores, the tasks, the projects — they all helped to train and shape my children into adults who could work hard, with good attitudes and striving for excellence, in every aspect of their lives. Their ability to work, learned in my home, has equipped them to attempt anything they can imagine. That is a gift that will keep on giving.

Read more about this in 10 Gifts of Heart.