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.
