5 must-have life skills for the ‘real world’- Part 2

Take a moment to look at your little one. They look so innocent and adorable and before you know it, they are teenagers ready to take on the ‘real world’.

Covid-19 has taught us to be ready for anything, and to never take for granted the little things in life.

Preparing our children for a post-Covid-19 world has to happen now, and we can only do this by instilling in them life skills to help them become strong and independent individuals.

Here are five life skills to help equip your little ones:

1.    Teach them how to efficiently manage their time 

Wondering how? well, you can start by giving them an alarm clock so they can wake up for school on their own.

Also a daily planner to note down school projects and extra-curriculars is an added advantage. Teach them how to prioritise school work and play time, and how to efficiently manage their time between the two.

As parents, you have to give your child/ren the freedom to make these choices, while at the same time steering them in the right direction.

2.   Involve them in preparing simple meals

It doesn’t have to be a three-course meal or continental-type dish. It can be as simple as a ham or peanut butter and jam sandwich or even chocolate chip cookies. 

This is also therapeutic for your little one, and teaches them how to be independent. You would not want your 16-year-old asking you how to crack an egg or peel an onion. Try the simple things with them.

ALSO READ | 5 Essential life skills to equip your child for the ‘real world’- Part 1

3.  Cleaning and other household chores

And NO, asking your child to help around the house is not considered child labour. 

Getting kids to get involved in simple house chores can be compared to a scene from Mission Impossible. I mean, even adults get put off doing household chores but your efforts now, while your child is young, will be well worth it in the long run.

Start off small by asking them to keep their room clean, make their own bed and make sure everything around them is tidy and kept neat. Thereafter, you can ask them to help with washing the dishes or tidying up the dining table.

A good incentive would be “allowance”. Ask them to participate in chores such as these in exchange for their allowance.

4.   Basic etiquette and manners

Teach your child about basic table manners, how to greet his/her elders and how to place an order at a restaurant. Begin to trust them, ask them to place their own orders and decide on what they want to eat.

This would make them feel “grown up” and children like that. They want to be respected for making their own decisions.

Also, teach them how to eat with a knife and fork, and about saying please and thank you.

5.    Basic travelling if they get lost

Ever watched ‘Home Alone’ – if that had to happen to your child  – would they be as independent and brave as little Kevin?

According to the child development experts at Flintobox, your child must know travelling basics.

From learning to ride a cycle to learning how to use public transport, make sure your child knows how to do these things along with routes.

Teach them how to buy train or bus tickets. These are important skills that your child will need for later as well as for emergencies.