For the Parents:
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Did You Know: The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date.

For the Students:
While many people just think of Labor Day as the end of summer - it is actually an important historical holiday. It honors the "working people" who are dedicated to the social and economic achievements of our countries. Many kids as young as 6 or 7 start work. Whether it is chores around the home, or a paying job outside the home - kids do work. You might:

* Walk dogs/care for pets
* Do yard work.
* Help your Mom, Dad or neighbor with chores
* Help out at kids clubs
* Volunteer at school!

All of these things are important because they contribute to society - kids do make a difference. I know I would be lost without my kids helping me around the home! Kids are the future, you will have many career choices - working at a young age can help guide you through those choices.

Labor Day - What Work Teaches us
Most kids start out working by doing chores around the home. Some get allowances for these chores, some don't. Some get special privileges for helping out. Whatever reason you do chores - you learn some valuable lessons along the way. You will have the rest of your life, if you choose, to work outside the home - but starting young teaches you some good things.

Money Management
You quickly learn the value of money when you earn it yourself. You also learn how important saving and planning is. How to set up a bank account (or piggy bank) - and what things cost in the real world.

Time management
You will learn how to manage your time - and be organized - set schedules so you can get your work done and still have time for school - and play too!! Work should never interfere with that when you are a kid!

Responsibility
When you make a commitment to take on work or chores or do Volunteer work - you have to follow through - this is a valuable lesson you will learn on your first job. Responsibility is an important lesson to learn.

Setting Goals
Having a job might inspire you to think about what you want to be when you grow up - or simply to teach you to set realistic goals - you want that bike? Set the goal and go for it - work teaches you this.

Amazing! These are the same skills students learn in first grade.