How to Teach Simple Life Skills to Your Young Children

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Life Skills for Children (2)Life can be hard for little children in a big world. They are constantly being told that they are too small to do something, too short to reach this, and not old enough to participate in that. As a parent, we often forget the ways kids feel living in an adult world.

I, too, sometimes forget that my own children are capable of doing so much more than I give them credit for. I have to remind myself that they want to learn, and that they want to do things for themselves, too. I want all four of my children to learn independence. I think the best way to do this is to teach them young.

Here are some simple, everyday ways to help children become more independent and develop a lifetime full of confidence.

  1. Start young children on a daily routine. A written schedule or checklist lets young children know what is expected of them and what they can expect each day. They learn the routine, and it makes for easier mornings or evenings for both parents and children.
  2. Assign or let children choose a daily or weekly chore. Chores teach children responsibility and give them a sense of accomplishment. Start with small tasks for small children like sweeping with a handheld broom and dustpan, wiping down the table after eating, or setting the table for meals. As children get older, they can take on bigger chores.
  3. Let your kids help choose fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. Teach them how to choose and bag produce. Let them help you grocery shop. Children love helping and it’s a life-skill that can be taught early!
  4. Involve children in meal-planning and cooking. Children can choose a meal, help you write your grocery list, and assist in the kitchen. Their participation in the kitchen will differ depending on age. I know this is one goal of mine that we are currently working on. Why shouldn’t I have my children help make a salad or whisk the eggs for breakfast? 
  5. Organize kid-friendly snacks and dishes where children can reach them. We are always finding ways to keep things out of reach of children. But, there are plenty of everyday things that should be easily accessible to kids. My kids have a drawer filled with kid-sized cups, plastic plates, and cereal bowls. They are in the routine of going straight to their drawer, getting their bowls and cups, and serving themselves cereal for breakfast.
  6. Let your children order for themselves at a restaurant. Give your child options on a few items that they can choose to eat at a restaurant. Once they have chosen what they want to eat, have them tell the waiter exactly what meal that they would like to order. This gives them confidence in speaking to others, and makes them feel valued.
  7. Teach young children to pick out clothes and get themselves dressed. Picking out matching or appropriate clothes can be difficult for young children. Fold matching clothes in a drawer reachable to your child. This has really helped my five year old when she gets dresses in the morning. She picks out a shirt that she wants to wear, and the bottoms are already paired with it. Then, she gets herself dressed and ready for the day.
  8. Teach your children how to do their own laundry… or at least assist you. Even preschoolers can help sort whites from darks or match socks. Teach them a proper way to fold clothes or towels. I always start the little ones with folding small washcloths. They are just their size and easy to fold. Older children can learn to measure the detergent, and actually run a load of laundry on their own. Please don’t wait until your kids are away for college to teach them how to do their own laundry!
  9. Make sure your children know how to shake hands properly and look others in the eye when they are speaking to them. Along with teaching them their daily manners, I think this is so important. I know teenagers and even adults who lack these communication skills!
  10. Have your child introduce themselves when meeting new people. This goes along with #9, but also equally important.

Summer is a perfect time for us to teach and reinforce these skills for our family. What skills would you add to this list for your children?

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Janell
Janell is a stay-at-home mom to two boys and two girls. She met her husband at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where she studied Early Childhood Development. After college, Janell taught as an elementary teacher in Corpus Christi. Once her first child was born, she left the public school scene to become a full-time mommy. She is addicted to children's books, Pinterest, and chocolate. If her busy life allows, you might find her buried in a craft project, discovering a new book, or simply snuggling with her amazing hubby and little ones. Janell loves writing about her mommy experiences, and she is ecstatic to be a part of the Corpus Christi Moms Blog team!

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