5 Life Skills to Teach Your Child
When we reach adulthood, there are always things we wish we knew. Beyond how to balance a checkbook and how to create a Powerpoint presentation, there are certain skills that make life easier. During summer break, you can help your child learn a thing or two about life. Here are a few skills that you can teach your child to help him or her prepare for the future:
Critical Thinking
Ideally, the more children grow, the more independent they become. Knowing how to think critically can give young children a head start in figuring things out on their own. When your child comes to you with a problem, resist the temptation to fix it on the spot. Talk your child through the problem, and ask open-ended questions about possible solutions. In many cases, this will mean solving the problem together. The more you do this, the more you encourage your child to think independently.
Making Connections
Everyone struggles with communication, especially children who are learning about its nuances for the first time. Learning how to communicate an essential step in building relationships. Some children are naturally inquisitive, so the problem may be getting them to open up. Others are in their own little worlds, so they may not realize how little they know about those around them. Show your child that every relationship is about give and take and that a little empathy can go a long way when it comes to being a good friend.
Time Management
In a world where distractions are at everyone’s fingertips, time management is harder than ever. Knowing how to balance homework, extracurricular activities, and play doesn’t come to everyone naturally. To help your child learn this important skill, set up a summer routine that’s similar to day-to-day life during the school year. Talk about the importance of prioritizing certain tasks and leaving others for later. Encourage your child to write down goals and important tasks. By the time school starts again, your child will be ready for any distractions that come his or her way.
Coping with Failure
Failure and rejection hurt, and for children, the two often feel like one in the same. When a child fails, it’s not just the failure that scares him or her. It’s also the idea that their parents won’t approve. That’s why it’s important for parents to make it clear that failure isn’t the end of the world — it’s just part of life. Encourage your child to try, and when he or she does not succeed, be reassuring. Treat these situations with grace, even when it’s hard. Knowing that failure is just another lesson will allow your child to appreciate every success.
How to Cook
There’s a stereotype that college students eat instant ramen because they’re broke, but there’s another important factor — many of them also don’t know how to cook. While cooking shouldn’t be your child’s daily responsibility, it is an important skill to learn. Before your child graduates high school, make sure to teach him or her basic recipes and kitchen safety. Not only will you be teaching an important skill; you’ll save your child a lot of money on pizza and takeout.
It’s always best for children to learn important life skills before going out on their own. For more than 50 years, the Diocese of Orlando, which includes the top Orlando Catholic schools, has been helping children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us today.