"Dad took moving pictures of us children washing dishes, so that he could figure out how we could reduce our motions and thus hurry through the task. Irregular jobs, such as painting the back porch or removing a stump from the front lawn, were awarded on a low-bid basis. Each child who wanted extra pocket money submitted a sealed bid saying what he would do the job for. The lowest bidder got the contract."
This quote demonstrates the way Frank Sr. runs the Gilbreth household. His devout commitment to efficiency shows in the way he parents. By filming the way they wash dishes, he is teaching them that every action can be improved. He stresses excellence. This commitment to efficiency and order reflects his time serving in the military. Doubtless, this also inspired the bidding system for extra chores, which method both demonstrates efficiency and structure.
"All those kids yours?"
"Oh, these aren't so many. You ought to see the ones we left behind."
"How you ever feed 'em?"
"Oh, they come cheaper by the dozen."
When Frank and Lillian first married, they discussed how many children they would like. They had decided upon an even dozen, six girls and six boys. By a bizarre twist of fate, that's exactly what they got. When they move into a new house, Frank is asked by the mailman about the large number of children running around the place. He replies by saying a dozen is a cheap number to feed. This quote once again reflects Frank's commitment to efficiency in all aspects of life.
"No person with inner dignity is ever embarrassed."
Frank is a reserved, respectable man. His intelligence and devotion to excellence engender a great deal of respect in all the people who know him. One day when Anne disobeys him and complains that she is not respected by her classmates because they consider her a freak, he tells her this. In any situation, Frank tries to teach his children to value hard work and to be excellent at anything they attempt.
