Child labor works!
By The Horse
@TheHorse (208086)
Walnut Creek, California
April 8, 2017 11:54am CST
I have my child laborer working on another project with me. Actually it was he who discovered this one near the dumpster and suggested we restore it. It's a dresser, probably veneered in "Philippine Rosewood," an inexpensive but fairly attractive wood.
He's such a good kid. A woman from our apartment complex tried to drag it away, and his mom said, "No, that's the boys' project!" My young friend decided we should finish it and give it to her (the lady who wanted it). I think she moved in recently and needs furniture.
Right now it's pouring out, so the project is in front of my door under the eaves. We'll finish it soon, and take it to the lady who wanted it. The kid is only eight and knows ALL of my tehniques, including "water treatments" and which grits of sandpaper to use at each stage of the project.
What's wrong with a little child labor, and the old "apprentice system"? Put 'em all to work I say!
18 people like this
21 responses
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
8 Apr 17
Who knows, that child may have found a career without ever having to punch a clock! Good work!
3 people like this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
8 Apr 17
@TheHorse What does he do that suggests the engineering career?
@marguicha (216814)
• Chile
8 Apr 17
@TheHorse My girls helped my husband wash his truck when they were small. They even invited other neighbor kids. That ended in their teens
They were always tired to get up
They were always tired to get up
@FourWalls (62964)
• United States
8 Apr 17
You go, Horse! Idle hands are the devil's playshop!! Put the kid to work! PS -- my car needs a wash. 
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40123)
• Laguna Woods, California
9 Apr 17
You are teaching him a skill which he will enjoy for the rest of his life. Good for you!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40123)
• Laguna Woods, California
10 Apr 17
@TheHorse - How wonderful! You call this child labor. I call this changing a child's life forever.
@Morleyhunt (21748)
• Canada
8 Apr 17
I'm a firm believer in child labour. My kids kept their rooms clean...helped in the kitchen...hauled firewood. They helped in the garden....looked after the animals....every one was expected to contribute.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
8 Apr 17
What a wonderful suggestion, he has a kind heart.
2 people like this
@SagarBath (22)
• Canada
8 Apr 17
Teaching him practical skills is awesome.
Not very many people I know, myself included, know how to restore any form of furniture.
Hes gunna be a smart kid when he's older, that is a given
2 people like this
@celticeagle (160560)
• Boise, Idaho
8 Apr 17
How nice of this kid to want to clean up this dresser for this lady. We really need to nurture this type of behavior in kids. Good work!
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85125)
• Valdosta, Georgia
9 Apr 17
That is amazing! Your a great father figure to so many little ones. This little one seems so sweet! =) I'm sure he was having a great time with it too.
My son goes to work with my husband at times. For a few reasons...one is this is what dropping out of school gets you-my husband does remodeling for a living. Another is to teach him some skills he can use forever and the third is it takes HARD work to support a family!
