As parents, we all want to see our kids excel in academics and earn strong grades in their classes. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting academic success for our children, it’s important to remember that academic performance isn’t the only measure or determining factor for future success. Learning basic skills early in life is just as important in becoming a successful individual.
Teaching your little one the skills necessary to be self-sufficient and independent is part of your role as a parent. They may learn some basic life skills in school, but most of these skills should also be taught at home. Help your little one grow up to be a self-sufficient individual by instilling these basic skills early on:
Time management
Effective time management is important for young kids to master early on to succeed in life. Learning to responsibly manage their tasks and activities can help a child accomplish their academic tasks while allowing ample time for play and other personal activities.
As parents, it’s common for us to feel the need to take over our children’s daily schedules and routines. We often decide how their days should look and monitor the series of activities they may have scheduled throughout the week. Instead of being the one setting our kids’ daily schedules, it’s best to allow your child to develop time management skills early on. On top of teaching young children how to measure time, it’s equally important that children learn how to practice time management independently. For example, try having your child keep track of daily activities by using a list or chart. Allow your child to practice dedicating a certain amount of time for one activity while making sure there is adequate time to get to the other activities on the schedule as well.
Money management
Understanding the importance of money management doesn’t come naturally to kids because they don’t experience earning and spending money at a young age. However, it’s imperative that children start to understand the concept of being money-savvy while early on. As parents, it’s only natural to want to give everything to our kids to make them happy. However, this will not teach them valuable lessons about spending and saving.
Understanding money begins with having conversations with kids about money. Help children understand in simple terms that money is something people earn through hard work. Discuss the importance of saving and understanding the value of money before spending frivolously. Even in little ways, young kids can earn money by completing tasks or chores around the home, and then they can save up to spend their money on a toy they may have been eyeing at the store.. This hands-on style of teaching can teach them about the concept of money and how they can work towards a goal.
Self-care and health
Children are never too young to learn how to take care of their bodies and overall health. Even though we may insist that children bathe daily, brush their teeth, avoid eating excessive sweets, wash their hands, and get adequate sleep, it’s important that children understand WHY they’re being asked to do these things. Explain to your kids how healthy habits can help protect them from viruses and diseases. Discuss the consequences that can occur if we don’t take care of ourselves.
For example, you can explain to your child that if we don’t take good care of our bodies, this can result in getting sick. When we get sick, we miss out on important and fun activities, like school and playing.
Household chores
While it may seem easier and faster for parents to tackle all of the cleaning and other chores around the house, it’s important to give our kids the opportunity to take part in these types of tasks. Teach your little one how to do simple chores based on what is appropriate for his or her age
For example, young children may start by making their own beds, organizing their toys, and placing the spoons and forks on the dinner table. If your child is a little older, you can introduce more complex tasks such as helping with meal preparation and cooking as well as doing the dishes or laundry.
It’s never too early for kids to learn basic life skills at home. These essential skills play an important role in setting them on the path to future success. Like they always say, “start them young!”
If you’re looking for more tips on parenting, or if you’re looking for the best preschool for your little one, please visit Cornerstone Learning Center.