Ensure Your Child’s Success by Teaching These Critical Life Skills

We are generally happier when we learn the skills needed to succeed in life. We can all think of examples of nice, intelligent, capable people that can’t seem to move their goals forward. By intentionally taking the time to teach your children effective life skills, your confidence can increase that they will be more balance and less stressed in life. Consider teaching these skills to your child:

1. Curiosity. As adults, we can teach ourselves nearly anything. The first step to learning something is by asking a question. Kids are excellent at it. It’s a parent’s job to encourage and foster that natural tendency. Be an example. When you and your child encounter something interesting, ask aloud, “I wonder how that works". And then figure out the answer together. Many parents just want their children to be quiet. Encourage children to ask questions and reward them when they do.

2. Finishing tasks. Many of us get into the bad habit of not finishing a task or project before it’s complete. Avoid this mistake. Set a good example for your children about following through. For example, you can say something like, “We can go to the park, but first I have to finish the dishes. I like to finish what I start.” Teach your child to finish what they start, whether it’s cleaning their room or brushing their teeth.

3. Finding solutions. Children that learn to work through challenges will have an easier time as adults. If your child’s zipper is stuck, let him work on it for a while. Avoid rushing to your child’s rescue every time something fails to go
perfectly. When you do so, you’re just implying to him that he’s helpless without the assistance of others.

4. Finding peace in being alone. Not many people are happy being alone 24/7, but spending a couple of hours alone shouldn’t be traumatic. Everyone needs to learn how to entertain himself to a certain degree. Only-children often become quite good at being alone and appreciating those moments. Every child should learn that it’s okay to be alone for a short period of time.

5. Compassion. Life is easier and more enjoyable when we learn to feel compassion for others. Demonstrate compassion in your life, and your child will learn it as well. Simply be kind and help others.

6. Being comfortable with change. Adults who are unable to deal well with change fail to grow. Change is simply a part of life and nobody can control all the variables. Explain to your child that things are always changing and change can be exciting.

7. Boldness. The universe seems to be uncommonly kind to those who are bold. Children can be encouraged to try new things and to stand up for themselves. Self-confidence is a wonderful thing to have. Children that are a little bold also learn to become more independent and not rely on others for every, single, little thing. Children who learn to be bold have an easier time in managing themselves as adults.

8. Discovering their passion. Wouldn’t you like to get up each day and pursue your passion? You’d certainly want the same for your children. Help your children explore the things that really motivate and excite them. Encourage every interest, and then assist them with figuring out how they can be successful at it. It’s great for them to discover their passion early, and they’ll love you for supporting them through the process.

Kids are amazing and they have the ability to learn nearly anything. Spend a little time each day asking yourself what you think your child needs to learn to become a successful adult. Then come up with a fun way to teach them.