5 Life Skills to Explore with Your Child from a Young Age

As a parent, we fall into the habit of doing everything for our children which can be difficult to change as they get a bit older. However, it’s important to give your child some independence – let them take the reins by equipping them with basic life skills from a young age. After all, there will be times when you are not around to help them, so they will need to know what to do. I have teamed up with an independent school in London share some important life skills that you could start to explore with your youngster…

Preparing Food

There’s no need for youngsters to know how to prepare a full roast dinner, but they should be able to prepare a sandwich or other simple meal. There will be times when you need to nip out somewhere and leave them home alone, so its important that they don’t burn the house down trying to prepare a slice of toast. Teach them some basic kitchen skills and don’t be afraid to ask them to help you with the cooking so that they know how to work various appliances. 

Managing Money

Lots of adults struggle when it comes to money management, so it’s certainly something you should consider teaching your child whilst they’re still young. When you’re shopping together, talk to them about how they could cut costs by choosing cheaper alternatives of various products. Teach them the importance of saving and regularly remind them that money doesn’t grow on trees, it has to be earnt. 

Doing the Laundry

Teach your child the importance of working as a team to keep the house clean and tidy. Ask them to help you separate the laundry into different coloured piles and explain the reason behind it. As they get a little older, teach them how to use the washing machine and then fold or hang up their clothes once they’re clean and dry. 

Using the Internet

There are lots of dangers lurking on the Internet, so children who have access to the World Wide Web should be taught how to use it safely. Teach them about keeping personal information to themselves and not talking to any strangers, as well as thinking carefully before they post something.

Treating a Wound

Your child needs to know what to do if they ever cut or burn themselves when you’re not there to help them. With that said make sure they know where the first aid kit is and go through various different scenarios with them, like running a burn under a cold tap or holding their arm up if they cut their hand. 

These are just five ideas to get you started and there are plenty more life skills you can explore with your youngster as they grow up and reach different milestones. 

Laura x