What do construction professionals need to understand when it comes to their children? In this special episode recorded in the truck, Jason sits down with his 16-year-old daughter Effie Schroeder for an unscripted conversation about raising remarkable children in the construction industry. You'll learn Effie's advice to construction parents (listen, watch for problems, maximize moments, one meaningful moment worth an hour of meaningless time), the study showing children's connection to family culture depends on whether dad is approachable, why you shouldn't overthink parenting (kids love their parents deep down, want to hear about work), examples of involving kids in construction (slip sheeting drawings, posting RFIs, cleaning trailers, job walks, boot camps), and how making construction family-friendly preserves families and elevates the industry.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Listen and watch: Be attentive, know your kid, know when they need to talk (especially mental health), if you're not there listening, that could really hurt them; also kick their butt when they need it
Maximize moments over hours: Never going to have as much time as you want, so focus on making moments meaningful, one meaningful moment worth an hour of meaningless time; reconnect intentionally after trips (connection goes away when you're gone)
Don't overthink it: Deep down kids love their parents, they want to hear about funny things at work, cool new techniques; don't stress or everyone gets stressed
Be approachable: Study shows children stay connected to family culture/traditions based on how approachable the father is; being loving but firm shapes kids to be better
Involve kids in construction: Take them to job sites (Effie excited to wear PPE at age 8-9, felt "so swag" walking through store in hard hat), have them help (slip sheeting, posting RFIs, cleaning trailer, job walks, boot camps), make construction family-friendly and inclusive so you can invite your children to work
"Don't overthink it. Kids love their parents. They want to hear about the funny thing that happened at work or this cool new technique you learned. Love your kid. Love yourself. If you bring them into your work, they'll start to take ownership of that, be proud of that, be proud of you, and it works for everyone."
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Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:
· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg
· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt
· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured
· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw
