Life skills are the abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.

If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first four hours sharpening the axe.

 — Abraham Lincoln

We, as parents, try to educate children and see them succeed in life but do not train them for life matters. These things may seem small, but their impact can be very painful. These minor missing may put their life into the dark and sometimes they may lose their lives too. It is important to teach children life skills such as budgeting, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, social skills etc. These skills are essential for success in life and can help children become more independent and confident.

Let us look at some real-life examples

One of our college mates fell off his bike while coming to class. His head was hit on a rock, bled profusely, and died on the way to the hospital. Not wearing a helmet was the main reason for his death. A few days after this incident, I left the university and started waiting for the van. Meanwhile, a biker came. Maybe that road was new to him. His bike flew off the speed breaker and the rider fell on his head. The helmet he was wearing broke, but it did not cause any head injuries and he survived. Wearing or not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle may seem like a normal thing, but it can result in life or death.

Similarly, once I stopped the car on the side of the road. As soon as I opened the door, my son got out and started running along the road. I quickly ran over and grabbed him. From that day, I learned a lesson that I hadn’t previously considered: to grab the child whenever we are on the road or in the streets. They can run into any vehicle at any time and have an accident. It is therefore important to teach children how to be safe outside the home as they grow up.

So, what do you need to do?

It is important to teach children age-appropriate skills, which will be useful in our absence. These skills are not limited to any particular stage of life, but there are certain skills that a child should be trained in at a certain age. We should strive to teach children to be independent from the start. This training begins with potty training and moves on. A child should learn to use the potty between one and a half to two years of age. Similarly, by three years, they should be able to make their bed, clean their shoes, etc.

We should plan ahead of time to teach these skills based on the child’s age. For example, you can make it a goal for a 2 to 3-year-old child to learn house rules, play rules, eating and drinking rules, meeting rules, walking rules, putting their things in order, cleaning their shoes, and so on. However, not all of these will be automatic. Parents will work with their children on it, and then all of this will be possible.

I am convinced that certain skills are essential for a child’s survival. Working on these skills can help children develop them. Those who possess these abilities are content with their lives. They understand how to play the right cards. What to keep and what to let go of. People who lack these skills and do not work on them have a difficult life. Such people become entangled in life’s complications, which turn life chaotic and dull. So teach your child how to live life so that it is not a burden.

This activity can stimulate new ideas

Set in a quiet location where no one will bother you. Answer the following question while keeping your child, traditions, society, and future in mind. Not only should you respond to this, but you should also plan to put it into action and see it through to completion.

What 10 essential skills do you want to teach your child based on his or her age?

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Learn more about life skills and children.

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