How To Teach Kids Basic Life Skills
Posted: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
by Katie McMurray
Wrote It Down
Teach Kids - Be The Boss
I'm not sure when it came to be that kids had few if any household responsibilities resulting in the lack of life skills. When I was a kid I remember my Mom, in her chair taking a coffee break, giving instructions to one of us kids. It was normal as parents considered it a vital part of their parenting to pass on such knowledge.
Simply put, follow the three step rule to get kids off their butts, up and away from the electronics and learning basic life skills which will make them feel good about themselves and their home.
ONE- Set clear and firm rules. Let them know what is expected of them. Further more make certain they understand that if they don't do their part that they won't be allowed privileges.
SECOND - Teach them how to do what is expected of them. It takes time but it's your job as a parent to teach them. Once they realize your committed to teaching them they will know you mean business and in the end feel good about themselves, whether they ever tell you this is to be seen. Not to mention you will save yourself many a grey hair and wrinkles by ending this battle once and for all.
For example;
- Load dishwasher and put dishes and other things away and wipe the counters off.
- Sort, wash, dry, hang and fold clothes and put them away NEATLY!
- Operate the vacuum and any other household appliances.
- Cook and Prep for Meals etc. and pack their lunches. Mac n Cheese is good!
Note - Rules are good life is filled with them. We have a rule who ever cooks does not have to do dishes. Get creative and enjoy watching your kids grow!
THREE - Once you have taught them, don't do it for them or do it when they slack. It is vital to leave these task undone and when your child ask if they can go here or there, buy this or that or have a friend over you simple ask, "I don't know are your chores done?" If not the proof is there and they will quickly learn that with life comes responsibilities and that...
1) you have to do what you have to do 2) to get to do what you want to do!
They will do those chores and well once they learn they get to do nothing else untill then.
YOU CAN DO IT, it gets easy and you will feel much better as a parent knowing your doing your job the best you can. PLUS, your kids will have a greater advantage with these skills learned and practiced. Remember - In the real adult world you don't get a private driver who runs you from baseball, soccer, dance, football, drama, piano, etc. etc. Focus in on the one thing they love and are good at! Don't forget education, that too is a basic life skill!
This Article has been viewed 420 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.