Are you teaching your children these essential life skills? -

It is important to help kids become independent from a young age. Certain life skills come in handy when they least expect it. Here are some of them.

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Cooking -

Even if it's just a few basic skills, like learning how to bake cookies or boil an egg, it is vital that children acquire some simple cooking skills and safety tips while in the kitchen.

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First aid -

It's important that your children have a basic knowledge of first aid. There are courses specifically designed for young people which will teach them how to deal with minor injuries.

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Money -

One of the luxuries of childhood is that you don't have any financial responsibilities. But this doesn't last! Learning how to manage money sensibly at a young age will prove invaluable.

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Starting a fire -

A great way to show your children what nature has to offer, and a great lesson to learn, is teacing them how to light a fire. There may be circumstances in their lives where this will prove to be very useful, especially when it comes to fire safety. 

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Study skills -

Equipping your children with study skills will give them a great head start. After all, they will have many years of school, and may well choose to pursue higher education. This will be the gift that keeps giving.

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Map reading -

The ability to read a map should not be underestimated! It is quite a complex thing to navigate. Therefore, learning the skill early is a great idea.

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Driving -

Not all adults choose or need to, drive. But for those who live in areas without reliable or regular public transport, it is essential. Save on driving lesson costs by teaching your children yourself. Be patient with them!

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Sewing -

While this skill doesn't need to be elaborate, knowing basic skills like how to replace a button or mend a small hole will prove to be very useful.

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Change a flat tire -

Assuming that one day your child learns to drive, they will need to know how to change a tire, in case of an emergency. If they learn this valuable skill before the driving age, all the better!

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Growing vegetables -

While not an essential skill, it's important that children know the source of their food. Allowing children to take part in growing vegetables will also be great fun for them!

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Home repairs -

While you should never give a child dangerous tools, it is perfectly fine for them to learn basic skills like painting, hammering, etc. Just make sure that you don't leave them unsupervised.

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Personal hygiene -

It's very important that your children know the importance of personal hygiene. Toilet training, oral hygiene, and the ability to wash themselves properly are vital lessons to learn as early as possible.

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Cleaning -

While your child may resent the idea of doing chores, it is very important that they learn to help around the house. Whether this is vacuuming, dusting, or setting the table, these are great life lessons!

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Supermarket -

Getting your children to help you with grocery shopping is a great skill for them to learn early. It will teach them how to have a balanced diet, and also help them learn about household budgets. Just don't let them overload the shopping cart with junk!

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Tipping -

Tipping culture varies from place to place, but teaching your child how to tip in a restaurant will train their courteousness and also help them with their math skills.

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Priorities -

While children often enjoy game consoles, tablets, cellphones, etc., it is important that they learn that homework comes first. Restricting their usage will teach them discipline and priorities.

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Emergencies -

Children should learn how to call emergency services. They must also learn the seriousness of the services, and to never call unless absolutely necessary.

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Working -

Not all parents will be comfortable with their children working while in school, perhaps due to issues with study, extracurricular activities, etc. But for those that do, it's a great opportunity to get some experience in the workforce.

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Manners -

People are constantly judged by their manners or lack thereof. Much of this will come down to the way they were raised. Don't allow your children to become rude or disrespectful.

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Making the bed -

A simple task, but one that can make all the difference in the day and in your reputation with others. It can be done in a few short minutes and will be very easy for a child to learn.

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Resume -

Once a child is in their teenage years, they may well be starting to think about finding their first job. Learning how to write a resume early will be very useful.

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Communication -

A child must learn how to effectively communicate. For instance, if they're home alone and a repairman is due to arrive but the man calls in advance to reschedule, your kids should know how to deal with these things instead of just waiting for you to get home and deal with it. 

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Laundry -

Teaching children how to wash, dry, and fold clothes is very important because laundry is a fact of life that won't go away unless you throw money at it. 

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Important papers -

At some stage, you will relinquish the responsibility of looking after your child's passport, birth certificate, etc. Therefore, it's very important to teach them how to store these documents and why they're so important. 

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Conversing -

Teaching children how to talk to adults, to listen when it's their turn, and to speak clearly is a great gift. Nobody expects a child to have the capacity or knowledge to maintain a serious conversation, but they have to start somewhere!

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Pumping gas -

There may be age restrictions in place as to when a child is allowed to do this, but the younger they learn the skill, the better. They will probably have fun doing it, too!

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Getting up on time -

While this is never enjoyed by anybody except "morning people," we all have responsibilities that tend to start earlier than we'd like. Teaching this to young children might make things easier for them down the line. 

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Medication -

In the case that your child will need medications, it is useful to teach them how to read instructions. They should also learn the dangers of some medications. 

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Talking to an authority figure -

Naturally, you hope that your children will go their whole lives without having any negative interactions with the police. But, if at any stage they have to deal with an issue, such as being pulled over, they need to know how to react.

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Camping -

It's great for children to learn as much as possible about life outside the comfort of their homes and schools. Taking them on a fun camping trip with friends will give them a well-rounded worldview.

Sources: (MoneyPPL)

See also: Parenting styles and how they affect children

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