10 (20) life skills we want our children to have

February 21, 2012 | My Blog,The Kids Coach | Naomi Richards | 8 Comments

So many parents come to me because they feel that their child is lacking in some of the life skills they need in life now and when they fly the nest. I wanted to be able to share a list with you of what the 10 most important life skills parents feel they want their children to possess/to be able to do. It was impossible. Hence I have had to grow the list to 20. Do you agree with my list and do you think the ones I have listed are THAT important?

To use their manners i.e. please and thank you
To consider others needs and wants
To listen to other people
To help other people
To be confident
To be able to cross the road
To have healthy self-esteem
To be able to eat nicely
To be able to read
10. To be able to write fairly legibly
11. To stand up for themselves
12. To be honest
13. To respect others
14. To take responsibility for their actions
15. To understand the value of money
16. To express themselves
17. To be able to problem solve
18. To be able to make decisions
19. To understand the importance of eating healthily and exercise
20. To not take anything or anyone for granted

8 Comments for this entry

Libby
February 21st, 2012 on 11:48 am

That’s interesting, thank you for sharing. I think its a good list but who do we think is teaching our children these skills? Last week’s news hi-lighted parents who are leaving potty training to teachers! Some parents might teach manners but who is taking responsibility for respect, honesty and not taking things/people for granted? I worry that society is becoming very selfish because too few are promoting these values.
Naomi
February 21st, 2012 on 12:12 pm

As parents I believe it should be us but not all parents have the time, patience or realise that these are important skills to have. Children need them in later life to get on and take responsibility for themselves. Libby if only we had a magic wand. Thank you for your comment.
Rick Ackerly
February 21st, 2012 on 4:38 pm

Naomi. This is a fine list, but as you point out it could be an endless list–how about the 7 things kids need to know about taking care of animals? etc. etc etc.
Ellen Galinsky has a great book out that boils it down to 7. Here are some from memory–you should check out the book for the full story:
(focus and control, taking other perspectives, communicating, connecting, critical thinking, taking on challenges and engaged learning)
If kids get that, the’ll get the rest.
Deana
February 22nd, 2012 on 10:45 am

As a preschool teacher I teach them manners and different life skills. I’m with them more than their parents and I also give them all love and attention
Naomi
February 22nd, 2012 on 10:21 pm

Rick thank you for joining in. There are so many I agree. I wanted to get parents to think of the importance of life skills and about those there children don’t have – yet.
Naomi
February 22nd, 2012 on 10:24 pm

Love and attention is great. Life skills need to be taught by teachers and parents and any other adults. We also see some as being more important than others. Now that is a great debate to have over dinner with friends! Thank you Deana for your comment.
Fiona @adoptresources
February 25th, 2012 on 12:44 pm

My key ones are respect (for themselves and others), manners, confidence, problem solving, self belief, caring, active healthy interest in a range of activities, to know the importance of health… the list is getting bigger as I get going!!

I think regardless of how busy we are, parents should set the tone and live the values we think are important for our children. Schools, clubs, family and friends all play an important part.
Naomi
February 25th, 2012 on 8:17 pm

Fiona you are so right with what you say. Parents living their value certainly is a great way for our children to learn from us. Thank you for the comment. I love the active healthy interest mention.

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