What Are Some Examples of Life Skills?

Preparing children to become independent adults requires many years and a good deal of patience. Along the way, there are some basics that parents must share with children to help them navigate the joys and challenges of life. Many of these lessons are learned through modeling. Children and teens learn from what they see and experience. Sometimes a formal or informal conversation is required to help young people understand more complex life skills.

Managing Disappointment

Things will go wrong for even the most talented and hardworking people. What is more important than what went wrong is how you handle the disappointment and what you choose to do next.

Money Management

Children can begin learning about the value of money as soon as they start earning an allowance. As they reach their teen years, kids should understand the importance of saving, budgeting, timely bill payment, and good banking and investment habits.

Self-Care

Aside from the basics, such as cooking, cleaning and laundry, important life skills include basic maintenance and repair knowledge. Even if you don't know how to do something (such as change oil) it is important to know when and how to track down the appropriate resource.

Honoring Commitment

Commitment counts in things small (being on time) and large (completing a degree). It is important for children to learn the value of making sound decisions and honoring them.

Awareness of the World

It is important to help children understand their impact on people and communities. Such awareness is a skill that influences how people choose to live among and interact with others.