Sometimes, it’s nice to just kick your feet up and do nothing. The habitual laziness we’re diving into with this post has nothing to with rest or self care. Taking breaks, relaxing, and recharging are essential. By stepping away from the daily routine, we free ourselves from the rat race and live life. Balance. Relaxation. Self care. Being “lazy” at times is a privilege, liberating us to enjoy quality of life. Then, when we do jump back in, a refreshed perspective helps us refocus, lock in, and rock n’ roll. Habitual laziness is altogether different—its crippling effects can derail us from finding true fulfillment.

Neglecting Responsibility
Laziness can prevent us from pursuing… everything. Success requires effort, perseverance, and a willingness to work hard. Between chronic idleness and responsibility avoidance, laziness neuters potential and kills possibility. If a sedentary lifestyle allows us to mismanage self-care, these sins of omission can manifest as physical illness and mental anxiety. Are we REALLY too lazy to exercise for ten minutes a day? C’mon sister. Get yours.

Teaching Children to Avoid Laziness
Especially as children get older, instill responsibility, teach time management, demand work ethic. Do this AND share the crucial importance of balance. Kids learn best and most deeply through observation. Demonstrate a strong work ethic along with a healthy balance between responsibility and leisure. Clearly communicated standards and expectations, enforced consequences, and a nurturing heart can help solve the laziness problem. As a mother… just show up… and laziness works itself out.

Teach children about priorities, specifically show them how to allocate time for work, study, and fun. Help them learn that they can always break larger tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps, making things less overwhelming and so much more achievable. Warn them about the dangers of excessive screen time, including television, video games, and social media. Encourage them to try new things—and when they find something that they love—to give it all they have!

Communication, Problem-Solving, & Goal Setting
Build upon the mother-child bond; children thrive when accessible mothers share smart approaches to wisely navigating challenges in life. Teach that virtually every problem on the planet has a solution. Encourage the development of problem-solving skills so their efforts to rise up and overcome are a simple and natural progression of their character. Help them set realistic goals, respectfully offer guidance as they pursue achievement. Convey the critical importance of steadfast perseverance, the priceless impact of work ethic, and that timeless truth that results come to those who create them.

Summary
While children are learning to strike a healthy balance between activity and rest—ensure that laziness doesn’t become a chronic habit—ever. Deliberate relaxation revitalizes our souls and enhances overall quality of life, well-being, and productivity. Beware of the habitual relaxation that forces us to fall into the life funk of laziness; betraying the great promise that God intended for our lives while we were being formed in our mother’s womb. Remember that teaching children not to be lazy is an ongoing process that requires patience, consistency, and love. Instill a strong work ethic while still allowing children to enjoy their childhood and leisure time. Tailor the approach based on each child’s age, personality, and needs, providing guidance and support as they develop the skills and habits to avoid the many consequences of laziness.

“Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.”
—Proverbs 13:4 NLT