Some children face certain challenges in life because they were not taught basic skills. Teaching your child life skills is as important as teaching them key values and ensuring they perform well in school. These skills will prepare them for the real world and reinforce their confidence and independence. There are several important skills that your child should know by the age of 10 for them to become responsible adults. Here are some essential skills that every child should learn before turning 10 years old.
1. Cooking Certain Foods
In some cultures, one of the roles a woman has in the household is cooking. However knowing how to cook, regardless of gender, is a basic survival skill. It also goes beyond survival skills, as it teaches them responsibility, patience, and creativity. Simple meals like making a sandwich and scrambling eggs should be easy for a 10-year-old.
Teach them to make a sandwich or scramble eggs at a young age. Allow them to help you in the kitchen by measuring ingredients or stirring the pot. Embrace messy mistakes and encourage their efforts.
2. Knowing Safe Internet Practices
In today’s digital age, children are using the internet at extremely young ages. Whether for educational purposes or entertainment, parents give their children access to devices. It is therefore important to teach them how to navigate the internet safely.
Teach your children to believe everything online, avoid speaking to strangers on the internet, avoid sharing personal information, and practice kindness towards others online. It is also important to build a safe environment where they can discuss their concerns with you.
3. Keeping Their Room Clean
Teaching your children how to maintain a clean environment is not just about teaching them tidiness. Teaching them to clean also reinforces discipline and responsibility, which prepares them for the real world. It teaches them to respect the space they are in and respect others’ space when they clean up after themselves. At age 10, your child should know how to make their bed, sweep and mop the floor, and wash the dishes. They should also know how to do laundry, like sorting clothes and measuring detergent. You can teach them these skills by appointing them chores. You can also make cleaning into a fun game by rewarding them when they complete their tasks.
4. Knowing How to Find Their Way Home
Knowing how to navigate is a great skill. Teaching your child how to use landmarks and maps to find their way or memorise different places can come in handy. If there are emergencies, they will know exactly what to do and not feel confused.
- You can teach them to memorise the way home from school.
- You can also let them lead in the grocery store.
- Teach them to read a simple map and what different signs mean.
- You can also make navigation fun by going on scavenger hunts.
5. Knowing How to Manage Money
Learning how to manage money is an essential skill that is often overlooked. With financial literacy, your children will understand the concept of earning, spending wisely, and saving.
- You can teach your child basic budgeting skills by discussing costs, showing them how to shop, and teaching them the importance of saving.
- You can teach them the concept of earning and the value of work by rewarding them with cash when they complete certain tasks.
- You can help them to understand how to make smart financial decisions when spending their money, like choosing which toys to buy.
- You can also encourage them to save a portion of their allowance for something expensive they may want.
