By the time our kids are five years-old, many of them are proficient at finding their way around smartphones/tablets, computers and game consoles. Many of them, though, are ill equipped with the life skills necessary for their daily lives.
We fall into the trap of doing everything for them, and when they reach adulthood, are lost on how to do the most basic things. But it’s not just learning how to do their own washing, it’s also about giving them their independence. And starting them off early will give them a head start later on.
So what skills should we be teaching them off with? Here are ten that will form a basis for future skills.
- Doing the Laundry
This is something that far too many of us don’t learn when we’re younger. How many of us know people who, even into their late twenties, still send their laundry home for their mother to do?
It’s something that even very young children can do, with adult supervision, and gives them a sense of accomplishment. Don’t expect perfection, that will come in time. Just aim to have them know how to do it and maybe by the time their teenagers, you won’t have to do any laundry yourself.
2. Wrapping Presents
One of my favorite memories is wrapping Christmas and birthday presents when I was young. It took a long time before they looked any good, but it was enjoyable and taught me how to organize and plan. Like making sure the paper was big enough. Making sure the tape was done properly. And of course making sure I didn’t rip the paper while I was handling it.
3. Letter Writing
Most of us rarely write letters anymore. Email is used for almost everything. But it’s a skill that comes in handy in business, where everything from applying for a job to daily communications are still done by old fashioned letters.
Teaching them how to write letter can easily be accomplished by writing thank you letters after birthdays or Christmas celebrations. It will show them the basic layout of a letter (Dear whoever, followed by the body of the letter, the closing eg. Sincerely yours, and the signature). As an added bonus, grandparents in particular will love receiving these.
4. Navigating
Having our kids help with navigation (using a phone or tablet) can help them develop their own navigation skills along with the ability to communicate directions and perfect their spatial awareness and abilities.
5. Bathroom Cleaning
I’m not going to suggest starting them off by cleaning the entire bathroom. What is a good idea though, is to start small by having a cleaning cloth or similar handy so that they can clean as they go. For example, after they clean their teeth, they can wipe up any toothpaste in the sink or dirt that lingers there.
After a while, move them gradually into cleaning more and soon they’ll be doing it all.
6. Selective Shopping
This isn’t just about making sure they don’t spend all their money on junk food. Although that is a worthy goal considering how many people I knew in college who lived off it. This is more about planning and handling money.
By teaching them to compare items and looking for value for money, we help set them up for a life where they can budget effectively and not live paycheck to paycheck. It’s also a good way to enhance critical thinking and decision making.
7. First Aid
Teaching our kids what to do in an emergency could literally save our own life. It will also prepare them not to panic if something happens. They’ll already have an idea of what they should do.
Running through different scenarios is something we can do with them, but it may also be worthwhile sending them on a professional first aid course to give them a better grounding on what to do.
8. Cooking Together
This can be super easy to do. Start by getting them to help set the table and then gradually get them more involved in the prep work. If they’re old enough, get them to cut the vegetables, and if you’re confident enough in their abilities have them do the actual frying.
This is also a great way to bond, and something that I’ve done plenty of times with my son. He may even be a better cook than I am by now, but don’t tell him that.
9. Growing Plants
This goes right along with cooking and provides an opportunity for them to see where food comes from. By planting a seed and caring for it as it grows, it also teaches them responsibility. Plus they can witness first hand the cycle of life, from seed to plant to dining table.
10. Home Repairs
Here’s another great bonding activity that I’ve done with my son. With simple repairs around the place, even as basic as changing a light bulb, it’s something we can do together and he learns how to do these things for himself.
And just because I do it with my son, doesn’t mean I’m excluding girls from this activity. If I had a daughter she’d be doing it with me too.
