Teaching Kids (and Ourselves) to Do Our Best Work 🎶
, by SAND N SALT KIDS, 3 min reading time
, by SAND N SALT KIDS, 3 min reading time
In the big symphony of life, every single person has an important role to play—whether it’s a parent, child, friend, teacher, or even a neighbor. Just like in an orchestra, some people lead from the front, and others add those subtle, perfect touches that make everything work in harmony. It’s important to teach kids (and remind ourselves) that no matter what role we play, we all matter. When we bring our best effort to whatever we do—whether big or small—we create something beautiful together.
Every Role Matters
It’s easy for kids (and adults!) to feel that only the “big jobs” matter—like getting the highest score in a game or being the one with the coolest idea at work or school. But the truth is, every contribution counts. Just like in an orchestra, the star soloist wouldn’t shine without the steady rhythm of the drums, and the conductor’s vision wouldn’t come to life without each musician playing their part. When everyone shows up and does their best, magic happens.
Help kids understand that whether they’re stacking chairs in the classroom or scoring the winning goal, each task holds value. Small efforts add up to big things, and every job done with care makes a difference.
Giving Our Best, No Matter the Task
When we approach any job—big or small—with enthusiasm, we infuse it with our unique energy. Encourage kids to take pride in everything they do, whether it’s doing their homework, helping set the table, or building a LEGO tower. Each act becomes a gift, a way of adding to the world around them. When we do our best, even with the little things, it opens the door for others to shine too.
Remind your kids that doing their best isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving their full attention and heart to what’s in front of them—because those small moments often lead to exciting opportunities they never expected.
Supporting and Being Supported
In life, no one truly works alone. Even leaders need the support of others to succeed, and every job—whether it’s leading or helping—creates a ripple of positivity. Teach kids to notice how their contributions affect those around them. Maybe they help a sibling with their homework, or they clean up without being asked, making everyone’s day run smoother. Similarly, when someone else offers help, it’s a reminder that we are all supported in different ways.
This cycle of giving and receiving creates a sense of gratitude, teaching kids that every act of kindness and effort has value, whether or not it’s noticed right away.
Finding Joy in Our Efforts
The key to doing our best work is being present and engaged, no matter the task. If we focus too much on what we have to do, we can miss out on the joy that comes from giving our best effort. Remind your kids (and yourself!) that any task done with a positive attitude flows more easily and becomes a part of something greater. And when we approach work with love, we attract good things back to us—like new friendships, opportunities, and experiences.
At the end of the day, doing our best isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about making the world around us better, one small effort at a time. When kids learn that every action holds meaning, they discover the joy of contributing to something bigger than themselves. So whether it’s homework, chores, or helping out a friend, encourage them to give their best—and remind them that their unique gifts are exactly what the world needs. 🌊💙