Upbringing across the ages

A colleague of mine grew up in the 60's in Penang. His house was located on the island and has, in the 70's, been sold off to a corporation for development.

He had shown us his teen photo, standing next to a fruit tree and behind him were a few hens. A pretty regular photo, you'd think, as these entities (tree & hens) are not uncommon.

However, the fruit tree and hens were significant since his parents delegated him the task of taking care of them. His pocket money for school will be derived from the yield by the fruit tree and eggs from the hens.

I thought to myself that that is such an interesting way to bring up a child. An excellent way to teach a child to be responsible and to think of the future.

Given, I do not have any fruit-bearing trees and hens, but I do need to think of a way for my children to learn to earn their keep. Times have changed and there are multiple new challenges that will be faced by the children of the future, but the basics remain unchanged. There is a duty to be moral to others and to be accountable for our actions.