9 important things to teach your children.
Teaching our kids is a life-long job, and there is a lot of information to cover. Make sure to teach your children the important lessons that will help them learn, grow, and thrive.
Respect for the Earth
For too long we have been taught that the planet is only here for our consumption. It’s way past time to change that outlook, and we can start with our kids.
Teach your kids to respect and adore the planet, and make sure they know how to be good stewards. Take them into nature so they can develop a love for it that will make them want to protect it and help it live for centuries to come.
How to write a letter
Your child may depend heavily on computers for communication and assignments, but they still need to know how to write a letter. Writing letters helps kids decide on an audience and purpose for their writing, and it is also a great way to sneak in handwriting practice.
Addressing and mailing envelopes falls into this lesson. Kids love to send and receive mail, so finding a pen pal can make this even more fun.
Human anatomy
Kids need to know how their bodies work and what to call their anatomy. Teaching anatomy for kids doesn’t have to be difficult. You can find excellent resources that will help you teach your child what to call their parts as well as how the body’s systems work together.
Learning anatomy can help give kids confidence and will hopefully encourage them to be honest about any discomfort they feel physically.
A growth mindset
Kids who learn how to think using a growth mindset will likely have an easier time dealing with challenges. A growth mindset means understanding you don’t have to be perfect at something to enjoy it. It also helps kids dive into new things with the expectation that what they are pursuing will require work.
A growth mindset values the mistakes and learning experiences along the way just as much as reaching the desired goal. Praise your child’s progress instead of just the end result to help them develop a growth mindset.
How to use routines
A solid morning and bedtime routine can help kids transition without struggles. It can also help cue their minds and bodies for what is about to happen. Teach your kids how to create routines for everyday activities, and make sure to point out the benefits of using routines.
Apologize properly
Kids need to know that when it’s time to apologize for something, there is a proper way to do it. Teach your child how to offer a sincere apology where he specifically addresses what he is apologizing for in a straightforward way. Help him learn to offer this with the proper body language and right words for the situation.
Set an example by sincerely apologizing when you mess up. Kids who see adults apologize when they are wrong won’t automatically associate it with weakness. They will understand it is a mature response to a situation.
Basic economics
Your children obviously need to understand math and be able to solve math problems. However, they also need to understand basic economics so they can take their knowledge of numbers and apply it to the real world.
As soon as your kids start receiving an allowance, teach them how to put money in savings. Help them choose places they want to give to so they also learn how to help others. When it comes to spending, kids should understand that they can’t spend more than they have, and they have to work to save for items they truly want.
Acceptance of others
Every person is unique, so teach your child to accept and appreciate the diversity around them. Expose your children to all types of people, and make sure they don’t assume there is only one right or normal way to be.
Let kids ask questions when they want to understand more and address these with honesty and kindness.
Independence
We are training our kids to eventually go out on their own, so start this in small ways early in life. Teach kids basic skills and then give them ownership over them. Give kids chores, teach them to cook, and allow them to pursue interests.
Raising kids is a challenge, but teaching them important lessons along the way will help them thrive.