Lockdown Life Skills for Every Age Group

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It looks like we will be spending at least a little more time at home and if you have kids of any age you are probably running out of ways to entertain them.

But rather then another viewing of Encanto, consider using this time at home to teach life skills. I remember the first year I was a counselor at a sleep-away camp, I was shocked how many kids didn’t know how to do simple things for themselves, and even moving into young adulthood I had many friends who had never had to do basic daily tasks.

While it is a wonderful perk of expat life to have in-home help, ayi can’t go with them to college and knowing how to do basic self-care will make them more independent, confident adults.

Below are a few age-appropriate ideas of simple things you can begin to teach now that might make a difference later.

*The ages below are guidelines, some children will be ready for more advanced skills earlier and others may not have learned how to do things on the younger list yet. That’s okay. Just make sure all the skills are applicable to their own life. When using a map for example, start small with the local neighborhood. Let them plot the route for the next family walk instead of trying to find a trail through the Gobi desert. They don’t need to be experts, just familiar with the idea.

3-6 years old

Simple household chores are great for this age group. They love to feel helpful and this will not only make them feel like they are contributing to the family, but will help develop fine and gross motor skills as well as sorting and seek and find.

Learn to tie a shoelace

Sort the laundry (colors in one pile, whites in the other)

Clear the table and dry the lighter less breakable dishes

Take a shower to clean off any allergens that the child may have picked up while playing outdoors

Empty the trash cans

Help plan dinner by creating a menu

Care for a living thing

*Feed the pets

*Water the plants (give them smaller doses of water, not a big pot)

6-10 years old

More complex tasks involving mobility and taking responsibility for their own space are important and teach them that they are capable of caring for themselves. It gives them autonomy and also helps reinforce sequencing.

Learn to ride a bike

Simple cooking, limited tools needed.

*scrambled eggs

*pancakes

How to use the washing machine and fold clothes

Making their bed

Cleaning the bathroom

Understanding basics of money

*What paper money is / Denominations

*How it relates to QR codes/bank accounts

*How you earn it/ spend it

11-14 years old

Start working in more multi-part skills that require planning and basic systems thinking. For example, planning and shopping for a meal directly affect your ability to cook it later. Things like first aid are important because they help kids feel a little more in control and give them a sense of autonomy over their own bodies.

Planning, budgeting and shopping for a meal

Cooking

*Knife Skills - safely cutting and chopping

*Stir Fry’s

*Grilling

Basic First Aid

*Cleaning and bandaging a cut

*Creating a sling or splint

*Understanding and how to use OTC Medication

*How to call for help/speak with a doctor or EMT

Creating and following a schedule

*have them structure their own day/week

Using a map

*let them plot the route for the next family walk or trip

Interpersonal Communication skills

*Writing a thank you note

15-18 years old

It’s time to add some reality to the situation. Don’t scare or overwhelm them but college and living on their own are just around the corner and they should be prepared. For-warned is for armed. Include more advanced money management and emergency survival skills in the mix. Do they understand why savings is important? How to keep their passport up to date and what to pack or have pre-packed for an emergency?

Finances

*Creating a budget

*Applying for a bank acct / understanding credit

*Investing/compound interest

Basic Car Maintenance

*Changing a tire

*Checking Oil/window fluids

Sewing

*Putting on a button

*Fixing a loose hem

Emergency Management

*Basic Self defense

*Accessing emergency funds

*Family meeting points

*Speaking to police and other officials

*Non-family emergency contacts (doctors, lawyers, etc)

You don’t need to get through all of these but it’s a good starting place to raise healthy, capable young people. You will be shocked by what your children are able to do and how well they can care for themselves if given the chance.

Images: Canva

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