PRACTICAL LIFE SKILLS THAT CHILDREN NEED TO KNOW TODAY!

It’s crucial to instill practical life skills in children to ensure they grow into competent adults.  These skills encompass home management, personal hygiene, safety, and building relationships.  Incorporating these skills into their daily routines and providing hands-on learning experience can empower children to become self-sufficient and confident individuals. Instilling resourcefulness, confidence, and problem-solving skills early on sets a strong foundation for their future success and resilience. Being intentional about fostering these qualities can have a profound impact on a child’s growth and ability to navigate life’s challenges effectively. 

A huge benefit to homeschooling is having the time in the day to teach children these practical life skills.  Many of these skills are taught organically throughout childhood, but it is wise to take a look at them and be intentional about teaching them. Education is giving our children the tools they need for a successful, rich life.

Life skills children need to know before leaving home:

1.      How to pray

2.      How to read the Bible

3.      How to read slowly

4.      How to say please and thank you

5.      How to be a self-starter

6.      How to be organized

7.      How to stand up for oneself

8.      How to cope with failure

9.      How to find a job

10.   How to swim

11.   How to admit a mistake

12.   How to give someone the benefit of the doubt

13.   How to wait your turn

14.   How to share

15.   How to make a new friend

16.   How to play to win, but play fair

17.   How to stand up to bullies by being smart and kind

18.   How to weigh out the pro’s and cons of a decision

19.   How to do something well, even is no one is watching

20.   How to write a letter

21.   How to make a phone call

22.   How to take a message

23.   How to get to know an older person

24.   How to play with a baby

25.   How to ask questions to get to know someone better

26.   How to care for a pet

27.   How to use thread and needle

28.   How to sew on a button

29.   How to make a genuine apology

30.   How to shake hands

31.   How to introduce yourself

32.   How to take notice of needs around you

33.   How to balance a checkbook

34.   How to see a job through to completion

35.   How to write a thank you note

36.   How to do laundry

37.   How to iron clothes

38.   How to fold towels

39.   How to take care of a garden

40.   How to fix something instead of replace it

41.   How to hammer a nail

42.   How to use basic tools

43.   How to insert batteries

44.   How to hang a picture

45.   How to cook

46.   How to plan a healthy meal

47.   How to read a recipe

48.   How to wash dishes

49.   How to set the table

50.   How to have good table manners

51.   How to wash dishes

52.   How to use a stovetop and oven

53.   How to check food for expiration dates

54.   How to use a microwave

55.   How to crack, hard boil, scramble, and fry eggs

56.   How to peel fruit and vegetables

57.   How to identify and use utensils (whisk, garlic press, spatula, etc.)

58.   How to use a can opener

59.   How to take out the trash and replace the bag

60.   How to properly use a knife

61.   How to make tea and coffee

62.   How to use measuring cups and spoons

63.   How to use a toaster

64.   How to organize a refrigerator

65.   How to use a vacuum

66.   How to use a dust pan and broom

67.   How to clean a toilet, sink, and bathtub

68.   How to use a mop

69.   How to change a lightbulb

70.   How to open, close, and lock windows

71.   How to manage money and make a budget

72.   How to wait and save for something

73.   How to check tire pressure and change a tire

74.   How to read a map

75.   How to address and stamp an envelope

76.   How to mail a package at the post office

77.   How to pump gas

78.   How to walk safely in a parking lot and know street safety

79.   How to find a book in the library

80.   How to volunteer for a cause they are passionate about

81.   How to stay hydrated

82.   How to get enough exercise

83.   How to properly wash hands

84.   How to cover a cough/sneeze

85.   How to get enough good sleep

Some old-fashioned parental advise:

I always think about the story of Thomas Edison.  While the details of the story have been sensationalized, it is indeed documented that Edison was called “addled” by educators and spent only a few months in a formal classroom before being taken out of school. His mother encouraged and believed in him and taught him herself.  Edison said many years later, "My mother was the making of me. She was so true, so sure of me, and I felt I had someone to live for, someone I must not disappoint.” [1,2]

Give children love and unconditional acceptance.  Showing is better than telling – they learn by watching you.  Love them for who they are and not for what you want or need them to be.  Accept who they are – don’t constantly compare them to other children.  Give them kind and firm discipline and boundaries.  Their brain is still developing so they are slow in learning, but they do want to learn if you are patient and kindly teach them.  Be their safe haven. Be emotionally available. Be there for them, no matter what.  Let them know they are not alone. Let your children know they are special and beautiful just the way they are. Talk with them – don’t just talk to them.  Trust your children – let them make their own decisions on non-safety or health related things.  They couldn’t learn to walk without falling and they can’t learn to make good decisions without making some bad ones.  Hear them – sometimes a child want to be heard without judgement or lecture. Be encouraging and supportive. Your praise means so much to them.

Raising a grateful child in today’s world is so important.  They need these basic life skills just to stay ahead of the game.  Be a role model for gratitude and appreciation.  Encourage your children to be present in the moment and appreciate what they have. Teach them to say thank you.

 

Notes:

1.     Martin V. Melosi, Thomas A. Edison and the Modernization of America, (Glenview, Illinois: Scott, Foresman/Little, Brown Higher Education, 1990) p. 8.

2.      https://www.loc.gov/collections/edison-company-motion-pictures-and-sound-recordings/articles-and-essays/biography/life-of-thomas-alva-edison#text1