7 Life Skills To Teach Your Kids
As parents, it falls on us to prepare our children for the world and being able to take care of themselves when they leave us. Which is why, even though we have the best of intentions, we have to stop over-helping our children. We need to allow them to prepare themselves to be out in the world on their own. And it’s never too early to start. Here are 7 Life Skills To Teach Your Kids as early as elementary school.
1. Learn to cook. They may not be ready to use the oven and knives without supervision, but there are plenty of kitchen skills they can learn early. Teach them how to make a meal that doesn’t require using the oven or stovetop. They can learn how to fix their own breakfast and pack their own lunch. Get them interested in baking. Using measuring cups and spoons will not only teach them to bake, but it will help them with their math skills as well. And letting them decorate cookies and cakes will help them with hand/eye coordination. The more they are able to do, the more confident they will become.
2. Wake themselves up on time. It’s important, not just to your child, but to everyone in the house that they get up on time. Being late can make everyone else late. Teach your child the importance of getting up and getting ready on time by showing them how to set their alarm clock, letting them choose the alarm sound, and making a morning list of things they need to do once they get up so they can be on time.
3. Do laundry. Elementary school kids are capable of doing chores to help out around the house and laundry is one of the best ways to help them learn to be independent. Teach them how to sort their clothes. Make a chart for the laundry room that shows them what cycle and temperature they need for each load. If your machine is a top-load, you may need to have a step stool handy for them. Show them how to work the washer and dryer and watch them for a while to make sure they understand how to get it done. Once you’re convinced they know how to work the machines and measure the detergent, allow them the space and independence to do it on their own.
4. Pitch in. Kids need to learn how to contribute and pitch in for the household because one day they will be required to pitch in at work. It’s an important skill to teach early. Give them a list of chores they can easily handle like setting the table, running the vacuum, watering the plants or dusting. And teach the importance of helping others out as well. If one sibling isn’t feeling well or is studying for a big test, let your child know it’s important to help out when someone else needs a break and let them take on their siblings chores as well. It will come back around to them when they need help.
5. Stand up for themselves. If your child is having trouble with a teacher at school, coach them through how to handle it themselves without you stepping in and calling the school. One day they will be on their own and it won’t be acceptable for mom or dad to make a call for them. If they feel they were treated unfairly or didn’t get the grade they deserve, have a conversation with them about how to approach the teacher and what to say. Tell them to respectfully ask the teacher why they received that grade or why the teacher treated them a certain way. And prepare them to listen openly to the response they receive so they can understand what needs to change for future encounters.
6. Pack their own bag. Teach your child how to pack their own backpack for school each day. Help them make a list of everything that they need for school on a daily basis. Then make it part of their morning routine to double check the list against what’s in their bag to make sure they have everything they need.
7. Order at restaurants. Every child should be able to decide what they want to eat, and politely and effectively communicate their request to the server. Remind them to look the server in the eye and say, “please” and “thank you.” If they have a special request, let them know it’s okay and they need to let the server know. Having the confidence to speak up for what they want is an important skill that your child can easily learn on a small scale by learning to order for themselves.