country kids used ( and in some cases still today), were expected, required, to help on the farm. many times family help was a necessity, even from mom at times. could not always afford to hire even occasional help. the neighbors were usually busy on their place doing the same work.
city kids that played sports, would hire out to " buck bales" all summer. it paid $.25 per bale, picked up in the filed, and IN the barn, they considered it good exercise to get in SHAPE! and make a little spending $$. try that NOW!???? ha
get an award for "participating". back in the day, you would get laughed at for months!
daughter came to visit last thanksgiving. we heat with wood. I go to bring in some wood. I ask the grandson if he would like to help. he politely answers " no, i'm sorta busy with this computer game". I told him that's fine, I will bring in enough to keep me and his mother w arm, but the stove will run out in the middle of the night, HE might just get cold!???? he decided maybe get off his 12 year old *** and bring in some wood.
I figure work ethic is basically taught by their parents. and if the parents have little work ethic then the kids never will !???? lets face it, a lot of our country has become soft, lazy, irresponsible, the list could go on and on. thankfully, there are still some good kids and people left. IMHO