Since our kids are stuck at home, my mind’s running a marathon, thinking what else I can do to teach these little human beings to be more independent, empathetic, helpful, and happy individuals. I realized that besides educational stuff there are a plethora of life skills that are equally essential for a growing child.
From teaching basic first aid to how to manage small sums of cash, here is what I am working on with my kids during quarantine in terms of essential life skills.
Also, if you’re looking for ways to keep your kids busy, click here.
LIFE SKILL#1: BASIC FIRST AID
You cannot ward off accidental cuts and bruises and when your child is unassisted, they should know what to do. First of all, teach them not to freak out at the sight of blood. If there is a small cut tell them to apply pressure till bleeding stops, show them which, and how to antiseptic cream and a bandage. You can get those cute colored bandages with stickers on them. Also, teach them emergency numbers to contact in case of emergency.
LIFE SKILL#2: HOW TO USE CERTAIN TOOLS
Your kid is smarter than you think. Teach, supervise, and accustom them to using household machines and tools like a hammer (obviously depending on their age), or how to rightly use a scissor or knife or even a screw driver.
LIFE SKILL#3: MANAGE MONEY
Managing finances is a key skill for life ahead. Give your kids an allowance and make them in charge of shopping monthly or weekly supply of stuff like chocolates and stationery. This is a long-term skill.
LIFE SKILL#4: STAYING SAFE
Teaching your kids’ safety essentials inside and outside the house is extremely important. Like you teach them electrically and kitchen safety protocols teach them to differentiate between safe and unsafe touch. To not share certain information online and mingle with strangers and similarly to not violate others’ physical and emotional boundaries.
LIFE SKILL#5: CARING FOR PLANTS
Water plants with your kids demonstrating their simple needs. Tell them how to care for newly budding plants and flowers. Pick fruits and vegetables with your kids and introduce them to the joys of harvesting.
LIFE SKILL#6: REGULATE THEIR EMOTIONS
Besides kids, we adults too need to learn how to regulate our emotions. tell your kids it’s ok to be angry, to cry, to feel sad. But tell them its never okay to hurt others or themselves to curb these feelings. Teach them to learn to share how they feel with trustworthy people. Remember this is the threshold where you can teach them to take care and be aware of their mental health too. Show them positive ways to express their emotions and accept them when they show. Do not tell them that they should not cry or whine when they want to.
OTHER FUN SKILLS
Besides many serious skills teaching some silly skills like whistling, blowing a bubble for gum, spinning rock, and walking with a coin on tip of nose will only make them more fun and likely to make more friends in the world.
Disclaimer
Remember the threshold for teaching different skills is different. Always use age-appropriate tools and ensure the safety of kids when they are learning new skills.
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