50 Jobs in 50 Weeks

Grandpa Wilcox teaches 3 of his grandkids something about gardening

A few weeks ago Good Morning Utah interviewed author Daniel Seddiqui who had traveled all 50 states and worked 50 different jobs in 50 weeks. His mission was to explore the diverse careers, environments, and cultures offered in America.

   Moms, Dads, and grandparents could use Seddiqui’s experience as a model for families.  As CEOs of a family organization, parents can also map out a plan which gives kids experience with 50 jobs at home this year!   Any smart CEO knows better than to try and do all the work him or herself.  Instruction, delegation and follow through is the name of the game.  

   

Teaching children to work and to appreciate those who do, is a critical life skill many people lack in society today.  Maybe you can even invite a neighborhood child over to gain some new skills. Some possible jobs to consider teaching:  (How many of these have you already taught your children, and grandchildren?)

1.     Baker (Bread, cookies, cakes, etc)

2.     Dish washer (both by hand and loading the machine)

3.     Short order cook (Easy breakfast and lunches for the family)

Laurie helping Grandma in Idaho

4.     Kitchen clean up (Wash counters, table, sinks)

5.     Waitress (Set and bring food to the table; ask if anyone needs anything)

6.     Chef (Plan and prepare meals for the family.)

7.     Sous Chef  (Second in command in the kitchen, the helper, vegetable prep, chopping,)

Ethan was my sous chef veggie juicer one summer, 

and also created the hat he's wearing!

8.     Bus boy (clearing table and putting things away)

9.     Maid (cleaning bedrooms, changing sheets)

10. Sweeper/mopper:  (Sweep and mop kitchen)

11. Baby sitter (prepare a tote with books and crafts to use when tending children)

12. Photographer (learn to use all camera settings, and be responsible for photographing family activities)

13. Scrapbooker (Organize prints, or scrapbook on-line using Heritage Makers, Picaboo, Mixabook, or Snap Fish.

14. Gardner (plant, water, weed, and harvest)

15. Canner (Learn how to prepare and can fruit and vegetables)

16. Landscaper (Help design and plant an attractive yard)

17. Greenhouse manager (Plant and care for seedlings you want started inside.  Learn the dos and don’ts)

18. Transplanter (Dig up and separate perennials in the early spring, share with neighbors, or plant in bare spots.)  [I have lots of these, if anyone would like some, please call me.]

19. Pruner (Learn how to prune fruit trees and clean up limbs)

20. Painter (Turn woodwork from shabby to chic with instruction, followed by practice)

21. Car cleaner (Regularly wash car and vacuum vehicles.)

22. Garbage man (Empty all garbages weekly)

23. Composter, (Carry all biodegradable scraps and clippings to a bin, learn steps of decomposing)

24. Sanitation expert (Clean toilets, tubs and showers)

25. Lawn mower (Cut and rake grass regularly)

26. Weed whacker (Make sure you know the difference between weeds and seedlings, then keep the weeds out)

27. Duster (Using a soft cloth, or toilet paper, dust all flat surfaces weekly)

28. Mop-head (Mop all floors once a week)

29. Rug Bug (Vacuum all carpets once a week)

30. Mover and a shaker (Roll up all small rugs and take them outside for a good shaking)

31. Laundry-man/woman (Keep your own clothes washed and neatly put away each week)

32. Typist (Type up family histories, memories, journals for others)

33. Secretary (Help organize mom or dad, make phone calls, and keep family calendar current)

34. Personal shopper (for mom)  (Keep track of weddings, birthdays, and purchasing and wrapping gifts)

Kylee finishes her first jelly roll quilt, May 2012.

35.  Seamstress (Learn to use a sewing machine, repair simple tears, sew on buttons, or make a quilt.

36. Service specialist (Look for opportunities to help others, clean up projects, food, painting)

37. Window Washer (Learn 2 good strategies for cleaning window, then go to work) I use either newspapers and vinegar, or squeegees and microfiber cloths with windshield wiper fluid.

38. Sports Trainer (Plan physical fitness events for the family, track progress and accomplishments.)

39.  Special needs specialist (Notice those who have special problems and do something to help them.)

40.  Cowboy (Help round up cattle in the fall and spring) 

41.  Hay hauler (Let the local farmers do the training on this)

Children can learn to care for animals of all kinds

42. Camp Cook (Learn how to cook on a campfire, or using Dutch Ovens)

43.  Fashionista (Help Dad or grandpa purge their closet and update wardrobe.)

44. Reading specialist (Make a chart and track what everyone is reading, plan rewards, prizes, and celebrations to recognize good efforts)

45.  Genealogist (Learn about family ancestors on Ancestry.com, Familysearch.org or use myfamilyvillage application on Facebook)  Silvia Stubbs has some inspiring stories on how her oldest grandson has helped her. 

46.  Recreation director (Plan family activities, parties, hikes, etc)

47.  Declutterer Diva:  (Keep garage, storage areas and closets tidy; recycle usable items.

48. Flower Arranger: (Care for and create fresh flower arrangements)

Peyton has always had an art project going on.

49.  Art Curator: (Encourage artistic creations, hang them for the family to enjoy, file and save extra good ones)

50.  Delivery Boy: (Boy do I miss my teenagers when it comes time to make deliveries!  Enjoy their help while you can.)