Kids are similar to wet cement, whatever falls on them leaves back an everlasting impression. Therefore, it is very important that the base of their future is laid effectively. And for this, you will have to make the present strong. You might be providing them with all the basic facilities and luxuries. However, there are a few life skills which they might not be getting to learn even in the school.
If you want them to grow into happy, responsible and functional adults; see to it that you teach them all the important life skills. Read on to know what are the life skills every child must be taught about:
1. Focus: In order to achieve any goal in their lives, children will need focus in every walk. Without focus, they will never be able to take on their duties and responsibilities. As parents you should always encourage them to stay focused. Spend time with them, understand their thoughts and the ways they follow to complete any task. Do some activities that can help them build their concentration. Read out some words like names of different colors, pets or anything in random. After a minute or so, let your kids recall the words. Repeating this exercise will develop their listening skills and eventually build the focus as well.
2. Problem solving: Kids must learn how to solve problems on their own. You can never be around them all through the day. There will be situations wherein they will have to look for a way out on their own without involving any other person. Say for example, they have a fight with any of their classmates or they are given an assignment to do which they find a bit difficult. You can guide them but never try to do it from your end. This way they'll turn dependent on you for each and every matter. Tell them how they can solve the dispute merely by speaking to the child in a friendly manner. Similarly, let them understand the assignment fully and come with ideas of doing it all on their own.
3. Self-dependence: You might enjoy doing all their stuff. But never overdo it. Your kids must value self-dependency and should be taught in the same way. Teach them basic things like tying shoelaces, wearing a dress or uniform on their own, eating food or even serving their own portion. Even when they are doing their homework, don't be too snoopy. Let them do it on their own. Remember, you just have to show them the path, the rest is their job.
4. Compassion: This is one of the most important skills to learn. As human beings, God has given us supreme powers and has made us the controller of all other creatures on earth. But along with this power, he has even given us a compassionate heart that makes us connect with other people and live with peace and humanity. Love for fellow human beings is the true principle of humanity. No child should be deprived of this skill. See to it that your kids speak gently to others and treat everyone equally. Set good examples before them. You should watch your actions so that kids don't learn anything negative from your acts.
5. Charity: Service to mankind is considered as service to God. It is our duty to help the poor and needy. And if God has made us capable enough then we should always attend to the needy people around. Charity is the best way of reaching out to the poor. Teach your kids how they can make the poor kids happy by donating their old toys, dresses, books and anything which they may not be using anymore. If you teach them the importance of charity at this age, they will remember it throughout and grow up into socially responsible adults.
6. Tolerance: Every human being is different and has his own ideology that must be respected. Normally kids grow up in a similar kind of environment and when they are exposed to different types of people or groups, they become uncomfortable and adamant at times. This is not good for their future as they will have to meet and interact with different people at every step of their life. Make them tolerant to all kinds. Right from their young age, see to it that you help them mingle with different types of people. Take them to social gatherings, events where they can get to see new people. Teach them how everyone is different from one another and why it's good to celebrate and accept these differences.
7. Adapting to change: Human life can never remain untouched by the wave of changes. Every now and then we experience a change happening. And the one who knows the art of adapting to the good changes, surely tastes success in the long run. Don't encourage any particular kind of habit in them. Take for example, their eating habit. Most of the kids are fussy when it comes to eating vegetables. They have one or two specific choices. You may take credit in announcing to the world how your child is only fond of potatoes. But will it be enough for him throughout his life. What when he will have to leave home for further studies or job? Think from that perspective and see to it that they are flexible enough to deal with the changes.
8. Time management: Time once gone can never be brought back. Therefore, it is very important that your child learns the value of time and managing it effectively. Set time-table for him, and see that he sticks to it. Sit with him while you make the time-table and seek his advice too. This way the child will feel responsible enough. You can even make him do it on his own. Let him fix a time for evening games, study and other activities. When he learns the art of utilizing time to the fullest, he will never come up with the excuse 'I'm short of time'.
9. Money management: Money must also be valued in the right manner. As parents you will always ensure to fulfill all the demands of your kids. But while doing so, see to it that you aren't spoiling them . Attend to their needs but never give up to all their desires. Let them know how hard it is to earn money and that it should be spent wisely. Give them piggy banks and let them collect money every month. Ask them to keep track of the money they collect and spend. Check their collection at regular time intervals. This way they will feel responsible towards the money they have and spend it watchfully.
10. Anti-competition: We teach kids numerous ways to be competitive because this is the way we all act in the adult world. This high held competition sometimes results in back-stabbing, and feelings of animosity. It's good to prepare your kids for the competitive world outside but do it in a positive manner. Teach them how success counts for noble and honest efforts. Help them understand the importance of making friends instead of enemies. They should understand success is always the result of effective teamwork and cooperation.
Fulfill your duties as a parent and raise a generation that will be both morally and functionally responsible towards the society.