Children will not be dependent on their parents forever. In preparing them for a successful and fulfilling life as adults, parents ought to teach life skills to their children early on.
Professor Julie Lythcott-Haims from Stanford University emphasized that imparting life skills for children begin with letting them do household chores. The process teaches the kids that contributing and collaboration is vital.
"They realize 'I have to do the work of life in order to be part of life,'" the professor said, according to Business Insider. So, here's an age-by-age guide of tasks parents should let kids do to develop their life skills.
Between preschool and elementary school, children should be taught good grooming and proper care for themselves. Simple life skill tasks like brushing their teeth or washing up before going to bed emphasizes on the value of personal hygiene and parents must be watchful of this routine.
At this age, parents could introduce a family pet and assign kids tasks for its care. Kids between 7-years-old to 9-years-old could be in charge of feeding the dog, while the above 10-years-old could take care of cleaning the kitty litter. This life skill teaches children responsibility and caring for others.
By the time the children are in middle school, parents can introduce kitchen duties and safety precautions. Perhaps assign the kids to cook one meal a week for the family and also orient them about grocery shopping and reading labels to sharpen their food preparation skills better.
Family Education notes that at this stage, kids are slowly trying to gain their independence, so it is perfectly alright to let them be home alone. They must also be taught to wash their own bed sheets and iron their clothes, clean the bathroom and work on the house grounds like mowing the lawn.
The kids' social life expands in high school, which means there will be more activities and expenses. Thus, this would a great time to teach life skills about money and time management. Parent Herald has a few tips on how to develop a healthy attitude about finances in children. Honing these skills will prepare the kids for when they do land their first job and earn their first paycheck.
Teaching teenagers defensive driving is also a vital life skill that they will carry through adulthood. They must also be taught how to change a flat tire, pump gas or have basic knowledge regarding car maintenance.
Do you have any other suggestions for what life skills to teach children? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
