There’s so much for our children to learn in today’s high-tech world that it can become easy for them to miss out on practical life skills. In fact, a 2014 study by the security company AVG Technologies found that while 57% of 3- to 5-year-olds can navigate at least one app on a smartphone, only 14% could tie their shoes.
“I see many parents doing everything for their kids instead of letting them fend for themselves,” says Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders, a nonprofit in Atlanta that works with schools and civic groups to promote leadership qualities in kids. “We must prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child.”
By focusing on life skills early on, you can do just that. Read on for tips on teaching your young kids practical skills.
Preparing a Simple Meal
Invite your child to help make meals and do your best to stay calm when the flour spills and the eggshells fly. Some ideas to get young children started in the kitchen:
- Practice cutting a banana with a plastic or wooden knife.
- Let preschoolers spoon yogurt into a bowl and add cut prewashed fruit.
- Show kids 5 and older how to make sandwiches and smoothies.
- Let those 7 and older try using the toaster oven.
If you gradually add to their developing kitchen skills, your child should be able to use the stovetop with supervision by age 10.
