A work ethic is something we can all agree is important, but learning wasn't exactly the fondest part of our childhood. I was often overloaded with chores as a child, but thank my parents now for the beliefs of working with the family and using hard work to get what we want in life they instilled in me.

Nowadays it seems, chores for children is a thing of the past. Whether parents find it easier to do themselves or just don't think their kids should have responsibilities (or perhaps think they have too many), I think a great opportunity to teach teamwork and consequences is missed.

When we work together as a family, not only do we bond, we also free up more time to bond in other ways. It always brings people closer when they are battling in the trenches together and you also tend to learn more about them.

Learning about consequences may be even more valuable. There will come a time in everyone's life (even Paris Hilton's) when not doing something right will lead to an adverse consequence. Not showing up to work or doing a poor job will lead to termination. Driving drunk and partying everyday like a rock star will ultimately lead to jail or worse. Not wearing a condom or using birth control will lead to, well you get the point.

Is there such a thing as too young to learn this lesson?

I don't believe so, and so while I play an inordinate amount of time with my kids, I also make sure there is a structured chore program in place. It's received its fair share of griping, but for the most part, the following five rules have allowed the program to be effective and dare I say, enjoyable.

1. Start early on and evolve - Some family educators believe the best predictor to success later in life is a child helping with chores by three or four. I've started my kids by that age with sorting dirty clothes, feeding the pets and picking up their own toys. As time goes on, a younger sibling will take those responsibilities as the older ones learn to help in other ways. Gradually easing them into more responsibilities and having a list of everything that needs to be done are the keys to the path to least resistance.

2. Have clear expectations - For children to do their chores correctly, they need to know exactly what you expect from them. Obviously you're just happy your four year old is helping, but your eight year old needs to know that rinsing her dish is part of cleaning her spot after dinner. Only by knowing what you expect can your child learn from any consequences there may be for not doing so.

3. Establish a rewards system - A lot of people believe rewards are akin to bribery, but these same people would disagree they are being bribed to work for their paycheck. Getting a reward for working is what America is all about and is often what keeps us working when we'd rather be doing something else. The savvy parent will find means other than money to reward their children and reinforce the original value of doing chores in the first place. For example, time alone together at the beach or letting one of your children pick what the Friday night activity will be are powerful reinforcers. In time, money will become a main motivator, but there are many lessons to learn about money, as well.

4. Set a good example - In my house, the kids did the chores and the parents relaxed after a long day or week of work. I did my chores more out of fear than for reward, and having to do them all felt hypocritical. As a father, I believe in setting an example for your children, one they can actually see. I have my own chores around the house and I also believe we should do at least two things we don't want to do everyday. I also don't believe in complaining. As a result, my children see that Dad does his chores, and usually more, without complaining, and to try their best to do the same.

5. Use patience over consequences - While I am a proponent of using consequences to teach, I believe more in patience. Children are their own people and are going to do many things on their own schedule or at minimum, not as fast as you could do them. If time allows, I'll give my kids all the time they want to complete their chores, but they are to do nothing else until they are done. If that means missing out on a family activity or a favorite television show, that is a good consequence for a young child. As they get older, not receiving a reward becomes a better consequence. Try to remember never to make them feel like they are bad, but instead, show how their actions led to the consequence.

By following the above rules, your children will learn the importance of working as a family and that not performing our responsibilities leads to consequences. The earlier you can start them helping out, the better.

Remember, kids want to help out and feel like they've contributed. It's up to you to be creative and patient to find the system that will work best in your home.