Top 10 life skills you should teach your kids

It’s been almost three months now since schools were closed earlier than expected due to COVID-19. There is no knowing when this pandemic will end. How are we and our kids coping so far?

Like most parents, I am concerned about the safety of my kids when school resumes. Even with the move of the opening date of the school year later in August, I have my doubts about sending my kids back. As long as there is no cure in sight, I will not feel at ease knowing they could be exposed or get infected even when safety measures are imposed.

Although distance learning is one of the options presented to safeguard the student and teachers, there are still ongoing debates among concerned citizens as to the effectiveness of this method. Most likely, the poorest among the students will not be able to comply with the requirements for distance learning.

While the concerned government agencies are doing their best to address the fears and apprehensions of the parents, teachers, and learners, our children’s education has taken a backseat.

In retrospect, I think this is the best time for us to teach our kids life skills. I remember being taught these basic life skills in elementary when we were tasked to tend a garden, sew, bake, cook, and do some basic carpentry.

Here’s a list of the skills your children will appreciate later on when they venture out on their own.

Cooking

 I remember when my daughter’s friends stayed for a sleepover at our house. I specifically told my daughter that they should be the ones to prepare their food. My daughter knows how to cook but most of her friends can’t even differentiate onion from garlic, or how to cook rice without a rice cooker! Learning how to cook will assure you that your kids won’t rely on instant food so much when they leave home for college.

Washing or doing the laundry

Kids today are very lucky! They have the necessary appliances to make work easier. However, it’s important to teach them how to wash their clothes manually in those instances when a washing machine is not available. Laundromats are an additional expense when you’re trying to save on your allowance. 

Ironing clothes

Though there are a variety of fabric softeners that makes ironing unnecessary, there are clothes that still need to be ironed before wearing, like uniforms. It’s part of looking good and presentable so they must learn how to iron their blouses, skirts, polos, and pants. Or even just how to operate the iron!

Sewing

When I was about 8 or 9 years old, I watched in fascination as my mom marked our clothes with our names by stitching. Aside from marking, learning how to sew a loose button or a tear in their clothes is a must-skill for kids.

Washing the dishes

This, by far, is the most hated job by kids! But like I always said, dishes can’t wash on their own. And this is necessary to prevent pests from invading your kitchen and bringing in disease. And hey, cleanliness is a good virtue to teach our kids.

Basic Repairs

 Identifying and handling basic tools that are used in simple repairs around the house must not only be taught to boys but to girls as well. It will also help them how to be careful when using the tools. 

Gardening

 It’s a fun activity for the whole family. As young as they are, kids must know the value and hard work that goes with producing food for the table. It’s also a plus if they can correctly identify the edible from the non-edible plants in the garden.

Taking Care of Pets/Animals

This will teach our kids about responsibility especially if they’re the ones who asked for a pet dog or a cat. Knowing what comes with having them around will also teach them that they must value life and therefore take care of them.

Cleaning

Whether it’s their room or assigned areas in and around the house, the kids must learn how to properly maintain and clean their surroundings. It will teach them cooperation as well as responsibility. More hands, faster work!

First Aid

This is a very important life skill to teach kids. There will always be moments when a sibling cuts her finger or scratched his knees. The kids must learn the value of keeping calm and clear-headed during emergencies and knowing what actions to take. Basic first aid will help save lives until the proper personnel arrives.

Conclusion

Our current situation will last until there is no cure available for the virus. In the meantime, it is up to us parents to keep our children preoccupied. It is not advisable to keep them entertained with their gadgets alone. They must be kept safe yet healthy by nurturing their bodies and their minds. What activities have you planned for your kids during these times?