Crucial Lessons Teachers Would Not Have Time to Teach Your Child

Crucial Lessons Teachers Would Not Have Time to Teach Your Child

Almost every parent I know of thinks that education is the most crucial thing their child should have. Not only a mere education, but a well-rounded education is important. Sure, it is true! But if we want our children to have experiences that turn them into better people, then there are crucial lessons which are also necessary. As adults, we might think these lessons are common knowledge, and it isn’t a big deal. However, don’t be surprised that there are many kids who are growing up to become ‘adults’ yet still very much dependent on their parents, teachers, colleagues, amongst others.

Our children aren’t going to just magically turn into responsible, capable young adults. As parents, we need to help equip them with the knowledge and skills they need in order to lead a successful, rewarding life in the real world when they are grown up.

Thus, in addition to a sound education, the following are crucial lessons we should start teaching them when they are still young:

A Desire to Learn and Curiosity

Very, very often, the someone who finds a reason to get out of bed in the morning, go out and make things happen, it’s also exactly the someone who enjoys learning a great deal. Help our children to love learning. Get interested and involved in what their interests are and run with it.

Common Sense

Well, this may seem like a no-brainer lesson, but unfortunately, I have met people who have absolutely no common sense. Help our kids to see what’s right and wrong and think for themselves with sense.

Problem Solving Skills

I have seen so many kids who throw the biggest tantrums because they can’t figure out how to fit a circle into a square hole. These same kids are the ones who usually have parents jump over and put the circle into the circular hole for the child. These pathetic kids never had a chance to learn, to experiment, and to figure things out on their own. They have the answers handed to them. Well, it is hard to watch our children struggle, especially when you have the answer, but sometimes we need to just back off and let them try, fail a couple of times, and then they learnt to pick themselves up. They’ll find the answer on their own, if they had been given the opportunity.

The Ability to Adapt

Too much structure is stifling. A routine, structured lifestyle stops a child from learning how to take change in his/her stride. Change is the one constant we have in life. It will happen, no matter how much we try to avoid it. Let our children have the ability to face changes in their lives, adapt to them and move on. Let them try different things – be it games, food, or places we visit. These small subtle changes make a big difference in their lives as they grow up.

The Ability to Respectfully Resolve Conflict

Conflict happens when we were young, and it happens in our workplaces as an adult. Your kids will have problems with other kids. It’s unavoidable. Sure, as parents we often, out of protection, intervene when conflicts arise. However, we should our kids the chance to work it out first as they need to learn how to resolve conflict on their own. Teach them how to talk to others and be respectful in the process of resolving conflicts.

Social Skills

To have great social skills, first, we must teach our children manners – knowing how to hold the door open for someone, to say please and thank you, to look at someone when they are talking to them, and more. In today’s modern technology world, we must teach them when it is appropriate to be using their gadgets – mobile phones, tablets, laptops – and when it is not. Social skills are more than just manners. We need to teach our children when certain behaviours, language and comments are not right for certain social situations. Encourage your children to make friends and join co-curricula activities as these will give them opportunities to learn how to socialize.