So you’ve probably heard it’s a lot easier to learn stuff when you’re a little kid. That’s true for languages, and according to some experts, it’s also true for a hard work ethic.

Dr. Jerry Weichman is an adolescent psychologist at the Hoag Neurosciences Institute in Newport Beach, Calif. He says that he thinks that parents can start cultivating qualities like perseverance and discipline in their child as soon as the child can understand conversations.

“I think it’s really important for parents not to give their kids everything that they want,” Weichman said. “There’s way too many parents who are giving their kids everything and that actually diminishes your work ethic, if it’s just given to you.”

He advises parents to use chores as a tool to teach children delayed gratification. Listen to the interview above to learn more tips on how to instill a strong work ethic in your child.