“The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get along without them”
In today’s
high-tech world, there is a lot for kids to learn, it’s all too easy for them
to miss out on practical life skills and parents love their kids so much that
they want to protect them, help them turn into perfect, happy humans. Unfortunately,
this over-parenting doesn’t help them as much as the parents want and expect.
In fact, it leaves the kids unready for the real world and for their lives as
adults.
Parents primary focus tends to be on school. Getting kids through school successfully and seeing that they get good grades. Making sure they’ll be accomplished enough to get into a good college. But a child’s academics shouldn’t be the only priority for parents. Basic Life skills for kids are equally important for their success. These are valuable lessons that they will use throughout their lifetime.
Here are some basic life skills to teach them on the path towards independence:
Preparing a Meal
Knowing how to prepare a meal in the kitchen is perhaps the most under-emphasized skill and not knowing how to cook can be an obstacle on the way to independence. Not to mention, it would lead to an increase in eating in restaurants and cafes when the kids grow up and live on their own. Parents can teach even the youngest kids how to cook. Not a five-course meal of course, but they can learn how to fix a sandwich or how to use a microwave. And as they become more confident in the kitchen, they can learn how to cook a simple meal on the stove with adult supervision, make healthy food choices and plan their own meals.
Decision-Making Skills
This is a
skill, not even the adults are good at (at least not always). It is because as
kids, it was their parents deciding and choosing for them, and they didn’t
learn decision-making until they were grown-ups. Parents don’t realize that in
order for them to be successful, the kids need to start making their own
choices from an early age. Not life-changing decisions but basic choices. They
can begin by selecting their clothes or choosing between two of their favourite
foods.
When they reach the elementary school age, kids begin learning the consequences of their choices and parents should explain and teach, instead of discouraging it. As parents, they need to help the kids through the steps of decision-making, evaluate the pros and cons, and then let them make the final decision.
Health and Hygiene
“Kids are never too young to begin learning about health and
hygiene”.
Instead of forcing kids to eat vegetables, parents should talk to them about health risks in eating junk food all the time and explain how healthy food will benefit them. Teaching kids how to clean and take care of the house is also very important. One of the best ways to do so is through chores. They would learn and understand why it’s necessary by actually doing the work. Setting up a chart that allows them to check off each task as they complete it would make it interesting and fun for them.
Money Management
Money
Management is another skill adults have a problem with. If kids learn how to
manage money, they can be as successful as adults. Kids can learn about money
as soon as they are able to talk. Parents teach their children basic
mathematics. They can take these lessons further by explaining how they can
apply them in real life. Having conversations with kids about money is a great
way for kids to understand money, save and spend wisely. It’s better for them
to mistakes as kids rather than as adults when they receive their paychecks.
Talking to Strangers
In the
real world, adults encounter professors, coaches, shopkeepers, advisors, landlords,
waiters, managers, co-workers and they need to know how to look at these people in
the eyes, communicate with them clearly and if the need arises, advocate for
themselves. This can only be possible when they learn to do so in their early
years.
Parents should encourage kids to talk to their teachers or order a meal in restaurants by themselves instead of speaking for them. This would increase the kid's confidence and enhance their communication skills, helping them ace interviews in the future.
These are only some of the responsibilities that the parents have towards their kids. It takes patience and time but the education provided by parents is crucial for their kids’ development. Not these lessons help them during their childhood but during adulthood as well.
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