This is a guest post from Sherri at Serene Journey, where she shares simple tips, tricks and philosophies on enjoying life.
As parents it’s our responsibility to teach, guide and encourage our kids. If we do our job right they go on to become responsible contributing members of society.
No pressure…right?
Teaching practical life skills and philosophies are important parts of developing our children into well rounded and happy adults. The time we have with our kids is precious and relatively short.
With that in mind, I would like to share with you a list of 40 things that I will teach my kids before they leave home. Some are serious while some are lighthearted, since I think an important part of forming a meaningful relationship with our kids is to have a little fun along the way.
Practical life skills
I will teach my kids:
…that doing a proper grocery shop, including meal planning, shopping with a list and comparing prices, can save them a considerable amount of time and money.
…there is more to cooking and baking than simply opening a can or reheating a meal.
…that it’s important to sort your laundry not only by color, but by fabric type and care instructions.
…that no matter what the fashion is at the time, when it comes to an interview, work or special occasions — grab an iron. Walking around all wrinkled and creased sends a message of laziness.
…how to grow and care for a plant. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to instill responsibility. I’d start with an easy to care for houseplant like an umbrella tree or amaryllis or a potted tomato plant out on the deck.
…how to change a car tire so that when they get a flat they are less likely to be stranded on the side of the road not knowing what to do.
…to drive responsibly and to be acutely aware of the consequences of drinking and driving, even if they are the passenger.
…that they can save money on books if they frequent the library.
…how to do standard maintenance on their cars like change the oil and various filters as well as top up fluids and replace light bulbs.
…how to read a bus schedule so if they aren’t in a position to afford a car they can still get around with public transportation.
…that they can have a lot more fun if they build things from scratch. I’m thinking birdhouses, step stools, go-karts, kites and paper planes.
…how to tie a variety of knots so whether they are tying up a boat or pulling a car out of a ditch or snowbank they are better armed.
…how to barbecue a perfect meal paying particular attention to pre-grill prep and special recipes.
…the importance of reading food labels. Not only to become aware of individual ingredients but to also know the quantities of sugar, additives and types of fats they contain.
…how to hem pants, sew on buttons and mend socks.
…how to type properly with both hands on the keyboard. In a society where computers are used for nearly everything, learning how to type properly will increase their efficiency and productivity.
…the concept of compound interest. Who doesn’t want to make interest on interest?
…how to create an effective budget that allows them to live within their means and continually increase their net worth.
…how to read a map and use a compass.
…how to build a quinzee and survive a night in the cold. (A quinzee is basically a hollowed out mound of snow and are actually quite warm to sleep in! This was one of my favorite experiences as a kid.)
…how to swim and tread water, these skills could potentially save their life.
Philosophical life lessons
I will teach my kids:
…that they can be happy if they choose to be happy.
…that a smile is the simplest thing you can do to truly brighten the day of someone else.
…about compassion and how they can go beyond empathy by truly understanding and feeling other people’s pain and suffering. Once they have this understanding and a genuine desire to relieve other’s pain it will make them better people.
…that there is no such thing as being too polite. You can never say please, thank-you or excuse me too often.
…how listening without judgement, criticism or offering solutions to problems, is a guaranteed way to show someone you care.
…that respect goes beyond being kind to their elders – it also includes property, people in general, animals and even themselves.
…to focus on enjoying what they already have instead of wasting time focusing on what they don’t have.
…that NOBODY knows EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING.
…that it’s okay to be wrong as that’s how we learn.
…to pursue things that are right for them as opposed to blindly following what society says they should do. The road less traveled usually brings the greatest rewards.
…that nobody will care as much about their money as they will, so they should choose their investments and financial advisers wisely.
…that people usually do the best they can with the information and knowledge they have at the time.
…that if something looks too good to be true it likely is.
…that the more they become attached to a thought or idea in the future, the greater their disappointment (suffering) will be when it doesn’t play out as planned.
…that friends may come and go but family will always be by their side. Always.
…that they will get more than they ever could have imagined simply by being kind and generous to those less fortunate.
…that life is short and that they should make the most of each and everyday. They should do things that make them smile, that make them feel alive and energized. Live.
…to remember that life is more about enjoying the journey than simply reaching the destination.
There are so many things I want to teach my kids and this list grows with each passing day. I want the best for my kids, as any parent does. I occasionally need to remind myself that they are their own little people on their own journeys in life.
How I see my role as a parent — I’m here to guide them, teach them and make sure they are well equipped with the skills, knowledge and common sense to survive and thrive on their own once they leave home. Time will tell if I’ve done my job well.
What do you plan on teaching your kids? What is the best life lesson you’ve been taught?
If you enjoyed this post then check out Serene Journey for more simple tips to enjoy life.
Photo courtesy of: horizontal.integration
Wonderful article, Sherry! I love this list. And I totally agree about learning the magic of compound interest. I wish I learned it years ago.
.-= Tsh´s last blog ..Thursdays are Book Club day =-.
Great article. Exciting to think of all the years we have to spend investing in our precious little people.
Jamie
.-= steadymom´s last blog ..Steady Thought for the Day =-.
Hi there Sherri
What a fab article. Thanks for your hints, tips and thoughts. I’m just starting out on the parenting journey so they’re very useful indeed.
The one thing I’ll be passing onto my daughter is, to work at something that she truly loves and not be a slave to the money; to always follow her heart first.
.-= Ann-Marie ´s last blog ..Is this the reason we like firewalking and abseiling so much? =-.
If only I can teach my son (already a perfectionist at 6) that nobody knows everything about everything, I’d be happy. I want to teach him many more things on that list too, but I’ll feel productive if he can get that one.
Another thing I’ll teach them is what I was taught…work hard. I won’t lie to my kids and tell them it will always work out for them, because it doesn’t, but that doesn’t change the fact that we should be hard, productive workers.
.-= Dan Smith´s last blog ..The Value of Mentorship =-.
I’ve had to teach my kids that blood doesn’t make you family, relationships do.
My son is hot boyfriend material at school because he can cook from scratch and grill….and most of the girls he’s met cannnot! That is crazy!
You can never teach them too much about cars/maintenance.
Teaching about money and investments, and turning them loose with it are two different things. Get them a checking account when they are in high school – put their budgeted clothing allowance, lunch money, whatever in it and let them learn to work out of it while still at home. Knowing and doing are two different things.
.-= autumnesf´s last blog ..Thankful Thursday =-.
The thing is, that no matter how hard you try, sometimes they are intent on doing things their own way. It seems between about the ages of 15 and 22, they have to do their own thing and its not until the mid to late 20′s that the things that your parents teach you REALLY kick in.
.-= WP´s last blog ..3 Rules of Cell Phone Etiquette =-.
Hi Tsh,
I’m glad you like the article and I’m right there with you on learning of compound interest
.-= Sherri (Serene Journey)´s last blog ..Move. =-.
Hi Jamie – It is exciting and in the grand scheme of things it is such a short time…must make the most of it!
Hi Ann-Marie – Thanks for the kind words. That’s a wonderful thing to teach your daughter. Life is much more fulfilling and fun when you do what you love. Good luck on your journey.
Hi Dan – Work hard that’s great! Not much is ever just handed to you in life so instilling the value of working for what you want is fantastic! They’ll certainly have a greater appreciation for the value of money and things if they have to work for them. Thanks for this!
Hi Autumnesf – Thanks for your contributions! I fully agree that people learn better when they apply the theories as opposed to just reading about them. Very good suggestion about getting your kids bank accounts and letting them figure it out when they are still at home. Awesome!
Hi WP – Very good point! Like I say I need to remind myself from time-to-time that they are their own little people on their own journeys. I just have to do my best to guide them in a direction that will hopefully result in them being well-rounded and happy adults that contribute to society in a positive way.
And last but certainly not least….Thank you Jeff for posting my article here. I really enjoy My Super-Charged Life blog and the community you have here. Thanks again for letting me contribute.
.-= Sherri (Serene Journey)´s last blog ..Keeping Perspective Through The Tough Times =-.
Great Article Sherri.
I agree whole heartedly about the extension of respect. Respect is a big one for me that seems to be lost on a lot of my kids friends and parents. My boys are simply not allowed to talk to me like their buddies.
Like many of your entries, I’m helping them to embrace all that it is to be a boy and a man, the joy of building things, destroying things, dismantling things. Outdoorsmanship etc.
Just a great list, I’ve bookmarked to refer to this often.
.-= Paul @ FiscalGeek´s last blog ..10 Interview Questions You Better Be Ready to Answer =-.
These are great lessons to teach your kids. This article makes me question what I’ve learned while I was at home. I’m in college right now and I can say that I’ve forgotten some of the lessons my mother taught. After a stern talking to, I feel that I’m back on track.
I’ve learned most of the things on your list (except how to build a quinzee), but I’m sure I’ll be fine once I permanently leave the house. Great post
.-= John´s last blog ..Be Yourself and Stop Emulating the Masses =-.
Great life lessons, for adults as well as kids!
.-= greedygrace´s last blog ..Bits and Baubles =-.
@Sherri – Thank you for such a fabulous article! It was a pleasure to post it on my site. Obviously a lot of my readers are enjoying it and finding it a valuable resource.
@Paul – Gently teaching your children how to respect others is valuable. Also, it sounds like you do a great job raising your boys. Have you read ‘Wild at Heart’?
@John – The lessons we learn from our parents are too numerous to count. Most of what we learn is subtle. It usually isn’t until later in life, once we have our own children, that we realize all our parents did for us.
@greedygrace – You are so right! There are a lot of us adults that could use a refresher in a few of these areas.
Thanks for being a part of the MySuperChargedLife.com community!
Spectacular post Sherri! Great tips and advice for parents with children of all ages. Isn’t it amazing how many ‘kids’ are not prepared for adulthood and responsibilities?
Jeff, thank you for having Sherri guest post for you. I may not have found her otherwise and I really enjoyed this article. Stumbled too!
.-= Lin Burress @Telling It Like It Is´s last blog ..Mother Of The Bride Dresses, Special Occasion Dresses, Cheap Bridesmaids Dresses =-.
interesting
though i still don’t have kids
.-= farouk´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
Wonderful food for thought! Thanks for getting my wheels turning about what I want to teach my kids and what they are truly learning.
I loved most of this list, but you lost me at “…how to read a bus schedule so if they aren’t in a position to afford a car they can still get around with public transportation.”
While I agree that reading a bus schedule is very important, it’s the “public transportation is second best” aspect I do not agree with (as someone who tries her best to get the car out of the garage less than once a week, to help reduce my impact on the earth). I humbly suggest amending this one to “…how to read a bus schedule so that if public transportation is an option wherever they settle down or travel to, they will be able to choose this as a sustainable way of getting around”
Thanks for the list, it really reminded me of what an important job we do as parents, and it helps having clear goals in mind!
Great list. I would add:
Teach them that it is far cheaper to mow your own lawn, trim your own hedges, weed, take the stairs at work, and carry your groceries instead of using a cart…than it is to join a gym!
Also” How to use basic power tools: drill and scroll saw.
Thanks for the great list.
The greatest gift I have been given was that knowledge that my family is behind me no matter what. It wasn’t only spoken, but deeply felt. It has allowed me to take risks, live abroad, and make mistakes and have successes.
As a parent I hope to instill the same in them. I might add cultivating curiosity to your list.
Thanks again,
Going along with the last comment about curiosity, I’d add #1 that creativity is a great life skill. That way, even if you don’t know how to do something, you can figure it out and/or make it up! To do this, I am sure to give my kids plenty of free time so they can make up their own games.
#2 would be that yes, they can do things, and it is okay to make mistakes. Example: yesterday they had 3 friends over. I had all of them make ice cream. 2 of the friends were extremely concerned about how they just “couldn’t” do it (measure sugar, etc.). I had to make it clear that it was okay if some sugar spilled on the table! How unfun would life be if you were always so worried that at age 7 you didn’t think you could measure sugar?
Anyway, great article, great things to think about!
My father taught me “Don’t worry about what other people think about you – make your own fun”
I remember hearing “the best gift you can give your children is good manners – they will have more friends, the teachers will like them, their bosses will respect them.”
With 3 young kids I was often “fashionably late” to places – not always on purpose. When the kids would ask – “when does the party start”, I would say “the party starts when we get there”. Recently I heard my 18 yr old son say the same thing to a friend on the phone I guess you really do have to watch what you say around little ears.
Fantastic Article — I plan on teaching my three kids most if not all of these things!
I’ll be a return visitor to this site!
.-= Marvin´s last blog ..Jul 22, How to Develop a Personal-Growth Plan =-.
Great list of important things to teach the kids before leaving. Enjoyed this list. Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic article! I will adopt the care for plant point immediately.
There are some good ideas, but most of these aren’t “ideas” at all. Just things that are forced into our minds from when we’re very young. Why don’t you try being a little creative, maybe?
I’m now 19 and experiencing being a dad. I must say although it feels good it’s still hard. I knew it wouldn’t be easy but to be honest, the hard part is having to balance time. My daughter is great and makes managing her never dreadful. -Teen dad
You are giving a peaceful information. Many people are take care about their kids. But you can see that people. The kids are always ignore their parents. They are always heart their feelings. It’s enough.
Great post and thought-provoking suggestions. Now that I have two young children I appreciate all my parents taught me, such as when Dad taught me how to change my own tire. With my own children, I realize there is a tendency to teach them lots of important life skills like managing money. But especially in the early years, I think it’s critical to each them how to build their character, to grow their faith, to be a good friend, to choose good friends, to believe in themselves and to be resilient in life.
.-= Lori Lowe´s last blog ..Do You Believe in Your Marriage? =-.
This is a great post! I will print this out to keep at my desk as a constant reminder.
.-= Maggie´s last blog ..My Recipe Is A Finalist! =-.
You have so much wisdom in this post. Especially the statement about how short life is. It is hard to teach a child that because they can’t relate, but before they know it, they are grown up!
.-= SenseiMattKlein´s last blog ..10 Lessons Learned from the Karate Kid Movie =-.
Such a wonderful post. What a great Mom you are! Your children are sure to grow up to be well-rounded healthy functioning adults thanks to their insightful Mom. Thanks so much for sharing.
Blessings,
Christine
.-= Christine´s last blog ..Setting Up a Reading Challenge with Rewards =-.
Agreed, proper financial management and avoiding impulse buying is one of the most useful life skills in this economy.
.-= Icechen1´s last blog ..How to sync Web bookmarks 101 =-.
They should learn to take care of themselves in every way, financial, emotional, physical, it will then be able to live their lives without enyone assistance.
.-= zoran´s last blog ..Whos smart- boys or girls =-.
Great list….although I don’t agree with all of them, it definitely gives me food for thought. There are so many things I want my son to know and involve himself in but he is only 3 right now
.-= Marie @ Vtech Kidizoom´s last blog ..VTech Kidizoom =-.
Really great list! All parents should have a list like this to remind them that parenting skills are crucial when it comes to child development and shaping them into who they are and will become in the future.
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You should add music to the list. Although you list is a good one. Public schools have cut most of their music, art and drama classes. With time being so precious the window for your child to learn a creative musical outlet is short. You could have the next Mozart in your midst. If you find that you don’t, you can at least develop their creative mind.
Find out how to teach kids music http://bit.ly/eHcMLC
.-= Nettie H´s last blog ..Learn Guitar- Intelli IMT500 Clip-on Chromatic Digital Tuner for Strings =-.
experience life, see the world and grow into their own person. There are several things I want to teach my kids before they leave home and one of the most important lessons is on
Your blog is very much useful and rocking dear.
Great, great list there. I would like for my daughter to be able to repair her car tire and to do the odd jobs around the house, like hang up a mirror or a painting (so she won’t have to spend $$$ on getting someone to come and do it for her) and I have tried to instil in my boys the responsibility of keeping their environment tidy and to clean up afterthemselves. And being able to cook your own food is something that I encourage them all to be able to do.
Wonderful article, Sherry! I love this list. And I totally agree about learning the magic of compound interest. I wish I learned it years a
Great list! Every parent should have this on their refrigerator for their kids.
teachers should teach math and science the most because they are the best subjects
nice topic. there is also a book called 40 things i learned from my kids. check it out free at http://www.scribd.com/doc/93506632/40-Things-I-Learned-from-My-Kids